Josh Hazlewood cleared of fitness concerns but Abbott out of Test

Hazlewood received clearance to join the Australian team ahead of the opening Ashes match following fitness concerns, although compatriot Abbott has been ruled out

The two experienced hamstring injuries playing for NSW in the Victoria clash in domestic cricket on Wednesday

Tests indicated Hazlewood (34) avoided a muscle strain. The uncapped Abbott, 33, has a moderate-level injury

Captain Pat Cummins will miss the opening Test, beginning on 21 November, therefore missing of another established pace bowler in Hazlewood would have been a significant setback

The bowler stood unlikely to play at the Perth match, with Hazlewood set to join fellow quicks Starc and Boland as the primary pace attack

The captain, rehabilitating from back issues, appears to be on track to return for the second Test commencing December fourth

Batter Steve Smith will captain the side in Cummins' absence

Like many of Australian cricketers, the bowler took part in the current round of domestic cricket building up to the historic rivalry

Until this match, he had not played a first-class match for New South Wales in more than a year

He felt tightness in his leg muscle during the final stages of Victoria's second innings during the match exiting the play taking preventive measures

Neither Hazlewood nor Abbott came out to bat during their team's second batting effort during their defeat in a substantial margin

"We have one week from the Test series - always err on the side of caution," said Cummins

"The medical staff sought to identify the exact situation prior to testing it and possibly causing the injury more severe"

"He seldom shows him upbeat, therefore it was positive observing his positive demeanor"

"He's aware of his condition extremely well. It seemed he felt a little bit worried (and desired it checked out"

Abbott earned 57 appearances with the national team in white-ball cricket

The uncapped Doggett represents additional pace options within the team, acting as backup for Starc, Boland and Hazlewood