Josh Hazlewood given the all-clear of fitness concerns however Sean Abbott ruled out of Test
Josh Hazlewood has taken 295 international wickets at an average of 24.21 in 76 Tests
The green light was given to Hazlewood to join the Aussie lineup for the first Ashes Test post-injury worries, although compatriot Sean Abbott has been ruled out
The two experienced muscle problems while representing New South Wales in the Victoria clash in domestic cricket this past Wednesday
Medical examinations revealed the 34-year-old Hazlewood avoided tissue injury. The uncapped Abbott, 33, suffered a moderate-level injury
Team captain Cummins is unavailable for the opening Test, commencing later this month, so the loss of another established pace bowler such as Hazlewood might have represented a significant setback
Abbott was doubtful to feature in Perth, with Hazlewood set to join fellow quicks Starc and Boland as the specialist seamers
Cummins, who is recovering from spinal concerns, is expected to be likely to comeback for the Brisbane match beginning December 4 in Brisbane
Top-order player Smith will lead Australia in Cummins' absence
Like many of Aussie squad members, Hazlewood participated in ongoing fixtures of Sheffield Shield matches in preparation for the England series
Before this week, he was absent from red-ball cricket for New South Wales for over twelve months
He felt tightness in his hamstring towards the end of Victoria's second innings during the match exiting the play taking preventive measures
The two bowlers participated in batting for their team's second batting effort as they lost by 300 runs
"We have one week from the Test series - we consistently choose the side of caution," commented Cummins
"The medical staff sought to identify what was happening prior to testing it and potentially making anything worse"
"He seldom shows him chipper, so it was good to witness his smile"
"He understands his physique extremely well. I think he was somewhat concerned (and) wanted to get professional evaluation"
Abbott earned 57 appearances for Australia in white-ball cricket
Without Test experience Doggett represents additional pace options in the squad, providing cover for Starc, Boland and Hazlewood