Josh Hazlewood cleared from fitness concerns however Abbott out of Test

Josh Hazlewood has been cleared to become part of the Aussie lineup ahead of the opening Ashes match post-injury worries, but fellow pace bowler Abbott has been ruled out

The two experienced hamstring issues playing for NSW versus Victoria in domestic cricket recently

Tests indicated Hazlewood (34) did not sustain tissue injury. The 33-year-old Abbott, yet to debut, suffered a significant hamstring issue

Team captain Cummins is out of the initial match, starting November 21, meaning the absence of another established pace bowler like Hazlewood could have proven a major blow

Abbott was unlikely to play in Perth, with Hazlewood set to join Starc and Boland forming the fast bowling unit

Cummins, currently healing from a back injury, appears to be likely to comeback for the second Test beginning December 4 in Brisbane

Batter Steve Smith will lead Australia while Cummins is out

Following other Aussie squad members, the bowler took part in recent matches of Sheffield Shield matches building up to the England series

Prior to recently, he hadn't featured red-ball cricket representing NSW since last season

He felt tightness in his hamstring during the final stages of the match during the match exiting the play for safety reasons

The two bowlers 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

"They wanted to find out what was happening ahead of risking and potentially making the condition"

"It's rare to get him upbeat, therefore it was positive to witness his smile"

"He understands his physique thoroughly. I think he was slightly anxious (and desired professional evaluation"

Abbott has won 57 caps with the national team in ODI and T20 cricket

Without Test experience Brendan Doggett represents additional pace options among the selections, providing cover for Starc, Boland and Hazlewood