Gus Atkinson ruled out of the 5th Ashes Test due to a hamstring injury

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Gus Atkinson ruled out of the 5th Ashes Test due to a hamstring injury: England's troubles in the Ashes 2025-26 series show no signs of abating. The joy of their magnificent victory in Melbourne hadn't even fully subsided when bad news struck the team. Fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the fifth and final Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) due to a left hamstring injury.

Injury sustained during the Melbourne Test

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The 27-year-old Surrey fast bowler sustained the injury on the second day of the fourth Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). While bowling his fifth consecutive over during Australia's second innings, Atkinson felt a strain in his hamstring. He immediately left the field due to the pain and was unable to return to the match. Subsequent scans confirmed the injury, ruling him out of the Sydney Test, which begins on January 4th.

England's 'injury crisis' deepens

Gus Atkinson becomes the third key England fast bowler to be sidelined with injury on this tour. The following players have already been ruled out:

• Mark Wood: Ruled out of the series due to a knee injury.
• Jofra Archer: Ruled out after the Adelaide Test due to a side strain.

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Historic win at the MCG

Even though Atkinson was sidelined mid-match, England showed tremendous spirit in Melbourne. The team bowled Australia out for just 132 in their second innings and chased down the target of 175 runs to secure a 4-wicket victory.

This was England's first Ashes Test victory on Australian soil after a long wait of 14 years.

However, after this win, selecting the playing XI for the Sydney Test is a major challenge for the captain, as England is 3-1 down in the series.

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Sydney Test: Who will replace Gus Atkinson?

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England has decided not to call up a new player from outside to replace Atkinson. The team management will choose from the existing squad

• Matthew Potts: This Durham seamer has not yet had a chance in this series.
• Matthew Fisher: This Surrey bowler has been promoted from the Lions group and is also available for selection.
• Shoaib Bashir: If the pitch is spin-friendly, Bashir could be the second spinner alongside Will Jacks.

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