Atkinson removed nightwatchman Scott Boland early on the second morning but appeared to strain his hamstring while running in to bowl the final ball of his fifth over.
He delivered the ball at 61mph/98kph and immediately clutched his hamstring before walking down the tunnel to receive medical attention in the England dressing room, and was replaced by substitute fielder Ollie Pope.
“England seamer Gus Atkinson left the field after bowling his fifth over of the innings, having felt some soreness in his left hamstring,” a team spokesperson said, shortly after the injury. “He will be assessed over the next few hours.”
Atkinson, who took 2 for 28 from 14 overs on the opening day, was limited to a solitary Test appearance in England’s home series against India this summer due to a right hamstring strain he sustained against Zimbabwe. He took three wickets in the first two Tests of the series before he was left out in Adelaide, but was recalled for the fourth Test at the MCG.
England, who are 3-0 down in the series, were bowled out for 110 on the opening day of the fourth Test in response to Australia’s 152 all out.