England fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney after injuring his left hamstring during the fourth Test against Australia in Melbourne.
The injury happened on the second day while Atkinson was bowling the final ball of his fifth over in Australia’s second innings. He left the field straight away and had scans later on Saturday.
Atkinson is now the third England fast bowler to be ruled out of the tour. Mark Wood was sidelined with a knee injury, while Jofra Archer suffered a side strain.
With only one Test left, starting in Sydney on January 4, England have decided not to bring in a replacement player.
The squad still has bowling cover, with Matthew Potts yet to play in the series. Matthew Fisher is also available after being promoted from the England Lions squad following Wood’s departure after the second Test.
England may also think about adding another spinner. Shoaib Bashir is available to support Will Jacks. Although this is unlikely, it could be considered because the Sydney pitch may be flatter.
Atkinson arrived in Australia as England’s leading fast bowler but struggled early in the series. He went wicketless in Perth and took 3 for 151 from 33 overs in Brisbane before being dropped for the must-win Test in Adelaide.
He returned to the series after Archer’s injury and made good use of the conditions, taking three wickets.
Gus Atkinson finishes the tour with six wickets at an average of 47.33. It is the first time he has averaged above 28 in any of his seven Test series since making his debut at the start of the 2024 summer.
