Aus vs Eng: England suffers major setback ahead of fifth Ashes Test, match-winner ruled out due to hamstring injury

England have been dealt a setback even after their triumph in the fourth test played at the MCG. It has been reported that pacer Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the fifth Ashes test in Sydney. While bowling on the second day of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne on Boxing Day, Gus injured his hamstring. Although they emerged victorious in the test with a four-wicket margin, he didn't return again to the field. Scans revealed a hamstring injury, meaning he would not feature in the fifth test, where Australia leads 3-1.

England’s fast bowler Gus Atkinson, who is 27 and plays for the senior England men’s team, has been declared unfit to play in the Ashes tour finale as he has damaged his left hamstring, as issued by the England Cricket. The Surrey right-arm bowler left the field after bowling his fifth over in Australia's second innings during England's victory at the MCG in the fourth Test.

England will not call in a replacement player for the fifth Test, which starts in Sydney on January 4. England have already lost fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Mark Wood to injury on this tour. Fast bowlers Matthew Fisher and Matthew Potts are also in the squad, one of whom could replace Atkinson.

England squad: Ben Stokes (captain), Harry Brook (vice-captain), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir, Jacob Bethell, Brydon Carse, Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Matthew Fisher, Will Jacks, Ollie Pope, Matthew Potts, Joe Root, Jamie Smith (wicketkeeper), 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 (England won by four wickets)
• Fifth Test: SCG, January 4-8