Ashes 2025-26: Gus Atkinson leaves field clutching hamstring as England’s injury woes deepen

Gus Atkinson could only bowl four overs on Day 2 of the fourth Ashes Test at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Saturday, December 27. The England seamer subsequently went off the field, clutching his hamstring.

Atkinson, who had bowled the only over in Australia’s second innings on Boxing Day, started proceedings for the Three Lions alongside Brydon Carse. The former got the better of Scott Boland to start his fourth over. However, he couldn’t carry the momentum for much longer, having to return to the dressing room after bowling 11 more deliveries.

“Gus Atkinson left the field after bowling his fifth over this morning, having felt some soreness in his left hamstring. He’ll be assessed over the next few hours. Wishing you the best, Gus,” England Cricket informed through its X account.

Atkinson was brought into the playing XI for the Boxing Day Test in place of veteran speedster Jofra Archer, who was sidelined for the remainder of the Ashes series with a side strain after featuring in the first three matches. The right-arm speedster, Atkinson, bowled impressive spells in the first innings, registering figures of 2/28 from 14 overs to help bundle Australia out for 152. He accounted for the wickets of Travis Head and Usman Khawaja.

England had already lost the services of Mark Wood after he re-injured his left knee while playing in the first Test in Perth. Now, the injury setback for Atkinson will add to the touring side’s woes.

Despite Atkinson’s injury, England did well with the ball, as the other pacers stepped up in the first two sessions on Day 2. Brydon Carse starred with a four-for, while Ben Stokes and Josh Tongue bagged three and two wickets, respectively. Australia also played some lacklustre cricket and eventually got dismissed for 132 in 34.3 overs. England need 175 runs to pick up a consolation win in the fourth Test and avoid an Ashes whitewash.