Hazlewood cleared of fitness concerns but Sean Abbott out of Test
The bowler has claimed 295 wickets with an average of 24.21 in 76 Tests
Hazlewood received clearance to link up with Australia's squad for the initial Test against England after an injury scare, although compatriot Sean Abbott has been ruled out
Both suffered hamstring injuries while representing their state team in the Victoria clash in domestic cricket on Wednesday
Tests indicated the 34-year-old Hazlewood avoided a muscle strain. The 33-year-old Abbott, yet to debut, sustained a moderate-level injury
Captain Pat Cummins is unavailable for the first Test, starting November 21, meaning the absence of a key pace option like Hazlewood could have proven a serious concern
The bowler stood doubtful to feature at the Perth match, with Hazlewood set to join fellow quicks Starc and Boland as the specialist seamers
The captain, rehabilitating from spinal concerns, appears to be scheduled to reappear for the second Test commencing December fourth
Top-order player Smith takes over leadership during the captain's recovery
Following other the Australia players, Hazlewood is involved in recent matches of state games building up to the historic rivalry
Before this week, he was absent from red-ball cricket representing NSW in more than a year
He noticed discomfort in his posterior chain towards the end of the match during the match exiting the play as a precaution
The two bowlers came out to bat during the follow-on innings in a losing cause by three hundred runs
"We have one week until the Test matches - always err on precautionary measures," stated the captain
"They needed to determine the nature of the problem before pushing it that could worsen the injury more severe"
"He seldom shows him upbeat, therefore it was positive to see him smiling"
"He knows his body thoroughly. He appeared a little bit worried (and desired medical assessment"
Abbott has won 57 appearances for Australia in limited-overs formats
The uncapped Brendan Doggett is the other seamer among the selections, providing cover for the primary fast bowlers
