Josh Hazlewood cleared from fitness concerns but Sean Abbott out of Test

Josh Hazlewood has been cleared to link up with Australia's squad for the initial Test against England post-injury worries, although compatriot Abbott is unavailable

The two experienced hamstring issues playing for NSW against Victoria in domestic cricket this past Wednesday

Medical examinations revealed Hazlewood (34) avoided a muscle strain. Abbott, 33, who hasn't played Tests, suffered a moderate-level injury

Captain Pat Cummins will miss the initial match, beginning on 21 November, so the loss of another experienced fast bowler such as Hazlewood would have been a significant setback

Abbott would have been doubtful to feature during the Western Australia Test, as Hazlewood prepares to team up Starc and Boland forming the fast bowling unit

Cummins, currently healing from a back injury, is expected to be likely to comeback during the next Test commencing December fourth

Batsman Steve Smith will captain the side while Cummins is out

Similar to most Australian cricketers, Hazlewood participated in the current round of Sheffield Shield matches in preparation for the England series

Before this week, he was absent from a first-class match with his state team since last season

He felt tightness in his posterior chain towards the end of the match on Wednesday exiting the play taking preventive measures

Both players participated in batting for New South Wales' second innings in a losing cause by 300 runs

"We have one week before the international cricket - always err on the side of caution," commented Cummins

"The medical staff sought to identify the exact situation ahead of risking and possibly causing the injury more severe"

"It's rare to get him cheerful, so it was good to witness his smile"

"He's aware of his condition really well. He appeared somewhat concerned (and desired it checked out"

Abbott has won 57 appearances for Australia in limited-overs formats

Without Test experience Doggett is the other seamer within the team, offering support to Starc, Boland and Hazlewood