Josh Hazlewood cleared of fitness concerns but Abbott out of Test

The green light was given to Hazlewood to become part of the Australian team ahead of the opening Ashes match following fitness concerns, although compatriot Abbott has been ruled out

Both suffered hamstring injuries playing for NSW versus Victoria in domestic cricket recently

Scans showed the 34-year-old Hazlewood avoided a muscle strain. Abbott, 33, who hasn't played Tests, suffered a "moderate grade" injury

Team captain Cummins will miss the initial match, commencing later this month, meaning the absence of another established pace bowler in Hazlewood could have proven a major blow

Abbott was doubtful to feature in Perth, while Hazlewood will combine Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland as the specialist seamers

The captain, rehabilitating from back issues, appears to be on track to return for the Brisbane match beginning December 4 in Brisbane

Top-order player Smith will lead Australia during the captain's recovery

Following other Australian cricketers, Hazlewood participated in ongoing fixtures of state games ahead of the England series

Until this match, he had not played a first-class match representing NSW for over twelve months

He felt tightness in his hamstring near the conclusion of the opposition's batting during the match exiting the play as a precaution

Both players came out to bat during New South Wales' second innings in a losing cause by three hundred runs

"We have one week until the Test matches - typically prefer being cautious," said Cummins

"They wanted to find out what was happening prior to testing it that could worsen the injury more severe"

"It's rare to get him cheerful, so it was good observing his positive demeanor"

"He knows his body really well. I think he was a little bit worried (seeking to obtain professional evaluation"

The bowler collected 57 caps representing Australia in ODI and T20 cricket

The yet-to-debut Doggett is the other seamer in the squad, providing cover for the primary fast bowlers