England pace bowler Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney after sustaining a left hamstring injury during the fourth Test in Melbourne. The 27-year-old becomes the third England bowler to miss the series due to injury, alongside Mark Wood and Jofra Archer.

Injury Details and Impact on England

Atkinson suffered the injury on the second morning of the fourth Test, leaving the field immediately after the fourth over of his spell. He did not return, as England completed a four-wicket victory, ending an 18-match winless streak in Australia.

This injury follows a previous two-month absence earlier in 2025 due to a right hamstring problem, raising concerns about Atkinson’s long-term fitness. There is no confirmation yet on his return to the UK for further assessment.

England have opted not to call up a replacement, leaving Matthew Potts of Durham as the likely addition to the squad for the Sydney Cricket Ground Test. Potts, 27, has 10 Test caps but has not played a Test since England’s defeat to New Zealand in Hamilton last December.

Atkinson’s Performance in the Ashes

Atkinson’s Ashes campaign has been mixed. He struggled in the first two Tests, taking only three wickets, which led to him missing the third Test. Recalled for the fourth Test, he showed signs of form, taking three wickets and scoring 28 runs in England’s first innings.

Despite limited success, Atkinson’s presence added depth to England’s pace attack, which has been heavily impacted by injuries throughout the series.

England’s Injured Bowlers

Atkinson joins Mark Wood, sidelined since the first Test in Perth with a knee injury, and Jofra Archer, who was ruled out after three Tests due to a side strain. All three were part of England’s first-choice XI at the start of the Ashes series.

Opportunities for Matthew Potts

Potts now has a chance to make his Ashes debut. A regular during the first summer of the Ben Stokes-Brendon McCullum era, Potts has played sporadically over the past two years, earning seven caps against six different opponents. His inclusion will bolster England’s pace options for the series finale.

Australia’s Selection Considerations

Australia will also consider changes after losing their 18-match unbeaten home Ashes streak. Spinner Todd Murphy could replace a pace bowler, while all-rounder Cameron Green is under scrutiny following a lean run with the bat.

Usman Khawaja will play in Sydney, with head coach Andrew McDonald confirming there are no indications that the 39-year-old left-hander is retiring from Test cricket.

The final day of the Sydney Test is set for 8 January 2026, after which England will tour Sri Lanka for white-ball matches in preparation for the T20 World Cup. Multi-format players are expected to remain available, with Archer’s potential participation in the World Cup squad under evaluation.

Looking Ahead

England’s injury-hit pace attack highlights the physical demands of a grueling Ashes tour. Potts’ inclusion and the management of returning players like Atkinson will be crucial as England prepares for both the final Test and upcoming international white-ball competitions.