England bowling stocks reduced as pacer succumbs to injury
Gus Atkinson left the field early on Day 2 of the Boxing Day Test with a hamstring concern.
By Jonathan Healy, at the MCG
England have suffered yet another injury blow with key fast bowler Gus Atkinson injuring his hamstring on the second day of the Boxing Day Test against Australia in Melbourne.
Atkinson clutches at his left hamstring // Getty Images
Atkinson left the field grimacing in pain after pulling up sore following the final delivery of his fifth over and England have confirmed the tall right-armer was experiencing some soreness in his hamstring.
"Gus Atkinson left the field after bowling his fifth over this morning, having felt some soreness in his left hamstring," England said via a statement.
"He'll be assessed over the next few hours.
"Wishing you the best, Gus 🙏"
Gus Atkinson left the field after bowling his fifth over this morning, having felt some soreness in his left hamstring.
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 27, 2025
He'll be assessed over the next few hours.
Wishing you the best, Gus 🙏 pic.twitter.com/E5u7Otm1vh
Atkinson had picked up the scalp of night-watcher Scott Boland early on the second morning in Melbourne as England tried to work their way back into the fourth Test following an action-packed opening day that saw a total of 20 wickets fall.
Australia were dismissed for 152 on the opening day's play with Atkinson picking up two of the hosts' wickets, while England could only muster 110 in reply leaving the Aussies in the box seat on Saturday and looking to build a big lead.
Pace spearhead Jofra Archer has already returned home due to injury after he played in the opening three Tests, while fellow quick Mark Wood also succumbed to a knee issue following a solo appearance in Perth.
✅ First Ashes fifer
— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 26, 2025
✅ Best figures for England
Tonguey on top in Melbourne 👊 pic.twitter.com/lmxacBrMLE
Australia XI: Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith (c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey (wk), Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Scott Boland
England XI: Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes (c), Jamie Smith (wk), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue
Ashes schedule:
First Test: Perth Stadium, November 21-22 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Second Test: Gabba, December 4-7 (Australia won by eight wickets)
Third Test: Adelaide Oval, December 17-21 (Australia won by 82 runs)
Fourth Test: MCG, December 26-30
Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8
