England’s Ashes campaign continued to unravel as Gus Atkinson became the latest casualty in an expanding injury crisis, compounding the tourists’ problems during the second morning of the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.
Atkinson was forced off the field early on Day 2 after appearing to injure his left hamstring during his fifth over. The right-arm seamer had started the morning brightly, dismissing nightwatchman Scott Boland with the new ball, before pulling up while delivering the final ball of his spell. He immediately clutched his hamstring and headed straight down the tunnel for treatment, with Ollie Pope taking his place on the field.
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An England team spokesperson later confirmed the concern, saying: “England seamer Gus Atkinson left the field after bowling his fifth over of the innings, having felt some soreness in his left hamstring. He will be assessed over the next few hours.”
Injury woes deepen England’s crisis
The setback could hardly have come at a worse time for England. Atkinson had been one of the few positives in the match so far, returning figures of 2 for 28 from 14 overs on the opening day. His absence leaves captain Ben Stokes short of reliable pace options in a series that has already slipped out of England’s grasp.
Mark Wood was earlier sent home after managing just 11 overs in the first Test due to a knee injury, while Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the final two matches with a side strain. With England already 3–0 down in the series and bowled out for 110 on the opening day, the fast-bowling attack now rests on a struggling Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and an all-rounder-captain in Stokes.
Despite the growing concerns and a pitch under scrutiny after 26 wickets fell across the first five sessions, England’s depleted attack continued to apply pressure. Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse struck at regular intervals, and even with Steve Smith offering resistance, Australia’s lead of 140 appears far from secure.
