Gus Atkinson Ruled Out of Australia vs England Ashes 2025-26 5th Test Match at Sydney Due to Hamstring Injury
The absence of Atkinson adds to England's fast-bowling considerations. With him ruled out of the fifth Ashes Test with a hamstring injury, England will choose a replacement from their existing squad, with Matthew Potts and Matthew Fisher the most likely candidates. This change means England will use a different pace attack for the fifth consecutive Test.
England fast bowler Gus Atkinson has been ruled out of the upcoming Ashes 2025-26 4th Test match in Sydney after sustaining a hamstring injury. The setback further complicates England's bowling options as they prepare for the fixture. England are currently behind in the series by a margin of 3-1. Atkinson scalped three wickets in the last Test match at Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) which England won by four wickets. MCG Pitch Receives 'Unsatisfactory' Rating From ICC After Australia vs England 4th Ashes 2025-26 Test Match Ends in Two Days.
Injury Confirmed
Atkinson, who was part of England's touring squad, underwent scans after reporting discomfort. Team medical staff confirmed a low-grade hamstring strain, necessitating his withdrawal from the match. He will now begin a rehabilitation program with the aim of returning to full fitness.
Impact on England's Selection
The absence of Atkinson adds to England's fast-bowling considerations. With him ruled out of the fifth Ashes Test with a hamstring injury, England will choose a replacement from their existing squad, with Matthew Potts and Matthew Fisher the most likely candidates. England will not be calling up a new player to the squad, which already includes pace options Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse, along with all-rounders Ben Stokes and Will Jacks.
Squad Options for Sydney
Matthew Potts, a Durham seamer with ten Test caps, is considered the likely inclusion, having not featured in the series yet. Surrey's Matthew Fisher, who joined the squad as a replacement for Mark Wood earlier in the tour but is uncapped at Ashes level, is also an option. This change means England will use a different pace attack for the fifth consecutive Test of the series, as they aim to finish the tour on a positive note in Sydney. Sunil Gavaskar Sarcastically Questions ICC Pitch Ratings After AUS vs ENG Ashes 2025-26 Boxing Day Test at Melbourne Ends in Two Days.
Atkinson's Recent Trajectory
Atkinson, 27, has been a notable inclusion in England's red-ball squads recently. His raw pace and ability to generate bounce had positioned him as a promising prospect for England. Since his spectacular debut in July 2024, where he took 12 wickets against the West Indies, Atkinson has rapidly reached 69 Test wickets at an average of 24.21 across 16 matches. In August 2025, he set a 129-year record by becoming the second-fastest bowler to reach 60 Test wickets in terms of strike rate, trailing only George Lohmann.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Dec 29, 2025 06:33 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).