The Ashes: Gus Atkinson limps off with suspected hamstring injury in fresh blow to England’s pace stocks

England are staring down yet another blow on a tour that full of them, with paceman Gus Atkinson limping off the MCG on the second morning of the Boxing Day Test.

Atkinson will be checked for what appears to be a left hamstring injury after delivering the final ball of his fourth over of the day to Travis Head.

The quick pulled up short and could release only a meek delivery to Head, who dispatched it, before Atkinson took his cap from the umpire and slowly walked off the ground for treatment.

He had earlier claimed the wicket of nightwatchman Scott Boland and bowled an impressive spell in Australia’s first innings on day one.

It looms as a significant blow for the tourists, who have already ruled their premier bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood out of the rest of the series.

Atkinson replaced Archer in the side for the fourth Test having been dropped for the match in Adelaide last week.

It leaves them short for this match — played on a dicey wicket that suits the quicks down to the ground — with Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue and all-rounder Ben Stokes their only remaining seam options.

Back-up paceman Matthew Potts has been considered unlucky not to play a match so far in the series and would be at the front of the queue for a call-up in the Sydney Test from January 4.

Matthew Fisher was called up out of the England Lions side to replace Wood and could also come under consideration after Carse’s wayward start to the match.

More to come.