Josh Hazlewood cleared of injury however Sean Abbott out of Test

Josh Hazlewood has been cleared to link up with the Aussie lineup ahead of the opening Ashes match post-injury worries, although compatriot Abbott has been ruled out

Both suffered hamstring issues playing for their state team in the Victoria clash during Sheffield Shield action on Wednesday

Medical examinations revealed Hazlewood (34) did not sustain tissue injury. The uncapped Abbott, 33, sustained a significant hamstring issue

Skipper Pat Cummins is unavailable for the opening Test, commencing later this month, so the loss of another established pace bowler such as Hazlewood would have been a major blow

The bowler stood not expected to participate during the Western Australia Test, while Hazlewood will combine Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland forming the fast bowling unit

Cummins, who is recovering from spinal concerns, is thought to be scheduled to reappear for the second Test commencing December fourth

Batsman Steve Smith takes over leadership while Cummins is out

Similar to most Australian cricketers, Hazlewood is involved in the current round of state games building up to the England series

Prior to recently, he hadn't featured domestic first-class games for New South Wales in more than a year

He noticed discomfort in his posterior chain near the conclusion of the opposition's batting during the match and was substituted taking preventive measures

Neither Hazlewood nor Abbott participated in batting for the follow-on innings in a losing cause by three hundred runs

"We have one week from the Test series - always err on being cautious," said Cummins

"The medical staff sought to identify what was happening prior to testing it and possibly causing the condition"

"It's rare to get him upbeat, therefore it was positive to see him smiling"

"He understands his physique thoroughly. He appeared slightly anxious (and desired it checked out"

Abbott earned 57 caps for Australia in limited-overs formats

The uncapped Brendan Doggett represents additional pace options within the team, offering support to Starc, Boland and Hazlewood