England’s Ashes misery deepens as Gus Atkinson suffers hamstring injury on Day 2 at the MCG

England’s Ashes tour continues to unravel, this time with Gus Atkinson becoming the latest name added to a worrying injury list that already includes Jofra Archer and Mark Wood. Atkinson was forced off the field early on the second morning of the Boxing Day Test at the MCG after clutching his left hamstring during his fifth over, dealing another serious blow to an already depleted seam attack.

The right-arm quick had made an excellent start to the day, removing nightwatchman Scott Boland with the new ball before appearing to pull up while delivering the final ball of his spell.He

He immediately grabbed at his hamstring and walked straight down the tunnel for treatment, with Ollie Pope taking the field as his replacement. Shortly after, an England team spokesperson confirmed the concern.“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.”

England struggle big time

The timing could not be worse. Atkinson had been one of England’s few positives, taking 2 for 28 from 14 overs on the opening day, and his exit leaves Ben Stokes desperately short of pace options. Mark Wood was already sent home with a knee injury after managing just 11 overs in the first Test, while Jofra Archer has been ruled out of the final two matches with a side strain.

England, 3-0 down and bowled out for 110 on the first day, now face the remainder of the Test with a fast-bowling group that now has a struggling Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and Ben Stokes.

Meanwhile, on a pitch already under scrutiny after 26 wickets fell in the first five sessions, England’s attack still managed to squeeze Australia hard. Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse struck repeatedly, and despite Steve Smith’s resistance, Australia’s lead of 140 feels less comfortable.

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