Josh Hazlewood cleared from fitness concerns but Sean Abbott ruled out of Test

Josh Hazlewood has been cleared to join the Aussie lineup ahead of the opening Ashes match after an injury scare, although compatriot Abbott will miss the match

The two experienced hamstring injuries while representing NSW against Victoria in domestic cricket recently

Scans showed the 34-year-old Hazlewood avoided muscle damage. Abbott, 33, who hasn't played Tests, suffered a significant hamstring issue

Captain Pat Cummins is out of the initial match, beginning on 21 November, therefore missing of a key pace option in Hazlewood could have proven a serious concern

Abbott would have been unlikely to play in Perth, as Hazlewood prepares to team up Starc and Boland as the specialist seamers

Cummins, currently healing from spinal concerns, is thought to be likely to comeback during the next Test beginning December 4 in Brisbane

Batter Steve Smith will captain the side in Cummins' absence

Following other the Australia players, the bowler took part in recent matches of Sheffield Shield matches building up to the historic rivalry

Until this match, he was absent from red-ball cricket with his state team for over twelve months

He felt tightness in his hamstring near the conclusion of the match recently and was substituted for safety reasons

Both players came out to bat during the follow-on innings in a losing cause by 300 runs

"We're a week away before the international cricket - always err on precautionary measures," commented Cummins

"The medical staff sought to identify the nature of the problem before pushing it and potentially making the injury more severe"

"Uncommon to see him chipper, so it was good to see him smiling"

"He knows his body thoroughly. He appeared somewhat concerned (and) wanted to get medical assessment"

Abbott earned 57 appearances representing Australia in white-ball cricket

The uncapped Doggett represents additional pace options within the team, acting as backup for the primary fast bowlers