Hazlewood given the all-clear from fitness concerns however Sean Abbott ruled out of Test

Josh Hazlewood cricket action

Hazlewood's career includes 295 international wickets with an average of 24.21 during his 76-Test career

Released 30 minutes ago

The green light was given to Hazlewood to join Australia's squad ahead of the opening Ashes match after an injury scare, but fellow pace bowler Abbott has been ruled out

Both suffered muscle problems playing for New South Wales versus Victoria during Sheffield Shield action on Wednesday

Scans showed Hazlewood (34) avoided tissue injury. Abbott, 33, who hasn't played Tests, sustained a significant hamstring issue

Skipper Pat Cummins will miss the initial match, commencing later this month, meaning the absence of another established pace bowler such as Hazlewood could have proven a serious concern

Abbott was doubtful to feature in Perth, while Hazlewood will combine Starc and Boland forming the fast bowling unit

Cummins, who is recovering from back issues, appears to be likely to comeback for the second Test in Brisbane starting on 4 December

Top-order player Smith will lead Australia while Cummins is out

Similar to most Australian cricketers, the bowler took part in ongoing fixtures of domestic cricket in preparation for the England series

Before this week, he hadn't featured a first-class match for New South Wales in more than a year

He noticed discomfort in his posterior chain towards the end of the opposition's batting during the match and was substituted for safety reasons

The two bowlers participated in batting for New South Wales' second innings in a losing cause by 300 runs

"There's seven days before the international cricket - always err on being cautious," stated the captain

"The medical staff sought to identify the exact situation ahead of risking and potentially making the condition"

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

"He knows his body really well. He appeared slightly anxious (and desired professional evaluation"

Abbott has won 57 caps representing Australia in limited-overs formats

Without Test experience Doggett provides bowling backup in the squad, acting as backup for the primary fast bowlers

Dr. Richard Washington PhD
Dr. Richard Washington PhD

A tech enthusiast and journalist with a passion for exploring emerging technologies and their impact on society.