Josh Hazlewood cleared of fitness concerns but Abbott out of Test
Josh Hazlewood has taken 295 wickets maintaining an average of 24.21 runs per wicket during his 76-Test career
The green light was given to Hazlewood to join the Australian team for the initial Test against England after an injury scare, but fellow pace bowler the paceman will miss the match
The two experienced hamstring injuries playing for New South Wales versus Victoria during Sheffield Shield action this past Wednesday
Medical examinations revealed the 34-year-old Hazlewood did not sustain a muscle strain. The uncapped Abbott, 33, sustained a significant hamstring issue
Skipper Pat Cummins is out of the first Test, starting November 21, therefore missing of a key pace option in Hazlewood could have proven a significant setback
The bowler stood not expected to participate at the Perth match, as Hazlewood prepares to team up Mitchell Starc and Scott Boland as the primary pace attack
Cummins, currently healing from a back injury, is expected to be on track to return during the next Test in Brisbane starting on 4 December
Batter Steve Smith will captain the side while Cummins is out
Like many of Australian cricketers, the bowler took part in recent matches of domestic cricket in preparation for the historic rivalry
Until this match, he was absent from red-ball cricket for New South Wales since last season
He noticed discomfort in his posterior chain during the final stages of Victoria's second innings on Wednesday and left the field taking preventive measures
Both players participated in batting for their team's second batting effort in a losing cause by 300 runs
"We're a week away until the Test matches - we consistently choose the side of caution," said Cummins
"They wanted to find out what was happening prior to testing it that could worsen the injury more severe"
"He seldom shows him cheerful, making it encouraging observing his positive demeanor"
"He knows his body extremely well. He appeared somewhat concerned (and) wanted to get professional evaluation"
Abbott earned 57 caps for Australia in ODI and T20 cricket
The uncapped Brendan Doggett provides bowling backup in the squad, providing cover for the main pace trio
