Atkinson came off early on day two of the fourth test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground after picking up his third wicket during England’s four-wicket victory.

He becomes the third England seamer to return home early following Mark Wood and Jofra Archer but he will not be replaced in the squad, England said in a statement.

Matthew Potts or Matthew Fisher is likely to replace Atkinson, joining Josh Tongue and Brydon Carse in the pace attack at the Sydney Cricket Ground starting on January 4.

Australia lead the five-test series 3-1.