Delhi: During the Ashes Series 2025-26, the England cricket team has suffered another big loss in the fast bowling department. The team’s star fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the fifth and last Test match to be held in Sydney due to injury. This is the third big fast bowling blow of the series for England.

injury in melbourne test

Atkinson suffered this injury during the fourth Test played in Melbourne. While bowling in Australia’s second innings, he bowled only five overs, after which he had to leave the field due to injury. Investigation revealed that he had suffered a serious strain in his left hamstring, due to which he was ruled out of the entire series.

Atkinson’s performance in the Ashes

Atkinson played a total of three test matches on the Australia tour. He took part in the Perth and Brisbane Tests, while he was rested in the Adelaide Test. In three Test matches, he took six wickets at an average of 47.33, three of which came in the Melbourne Test. In the first two Test matches, he was able to take only three wickets.

No decision on replacement

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has not yet announced the replacement of Gus Atkinson for the last Test starting in Sydney from January 4. Australia is leading 3-1 after four Test matches and has already won the Ashes series.

England’s great victory in Melbourne

Despite losing the series, England had registered a spectacular victory in the Melbourne Test. In that match, the English team surprised Australia by winning by four wickets in just two days.

Increasing problems for fast bowlers

England has suffered the loss of a total of three fast bowlers during the Ashes. Before Gus Atkinson, Mark Wood and Joffra Archer were also out of the series due to injury. Wood was able to play only one Test, while Archer was out after the third Test played in Adelaide.

Option for last test

In place of Atkinson in the Sydney Test, England have options in the form of Matthew Potts and Matthew Fisher. Potts has been a part of the Test squad since the beginning, while Fisher was included in the main squad from England Lions after Wood’s exit.