England have suffered another major setback ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, with fast bowler Gus Atkinson ruled out due to injury. The England camp confirmed that Atkinson will miss the series finale after scans revealed a hamstring strain, dealing a further blow to an already depleted pace attack.
Atkinson sustained the injury during the fourth Test. Where he experienced discomfort while bowling and was unable to complete his full workload. Medical assessments following the match showed that the injury would require rest and rehabilitation, prompting team management to take a cautious approach and rule him out of the Sydney Test.
The absence of Atkinson compounds England’s growing injury concerns. With Mark Wood and Jofra Archer already unavailable. England’s fast-bowling resources have been stretched thin throughout the series. Atkinson had been one of the brighter performers, offering pace, control, and crucial breakthroughs in challenging Australian conditions. His ability to hit the deck hard and extract bounce made him a key component of England’s bowling plans.
Gus Atkinson
Selectors are now expected to reshuffle the bowling combination for the final Test. Bowlers such as Matthew Potts or Matthew Fisher are likely to be considered as replacements. While England may also lean heavily on all-rounders and their remaining fit seamers to shoulder the workload. The management will also closely monitor player fitness given the physical toll of a long and demanding Ashes series.
For England, Atkinson’s absence is not just a tactical loss. But also a psychological one, as the team looks to finish the tour on a positive note. The Sydney Test traditionally offers something for both batters and bowlers. And England will need disciplined bowling and smart field placements to challenge a confident Australian side.
Despite the injury setback, England’s focus remains on showing resilience and character in the final Test. The team will hope that the incoming bowler can rise to the occasion and that senior players step up to deliver a competitive performance at the SCG.
The Ashes may already be decided. But pride, momentum, and individual performances remain firmly on the line as England aim to end the series with a statement in Sydney.
