Overview
- Cricket Australia said scans cleared Josh Hazlewood of a hamstring strain and he will join the squad in Perth and train as planned.
- Sean Abbott was diagnosed with a moderate-grade left hamstring injury and will not be available for selection for the first Test.
- Captain Pat Cummins has already been ruled out of the opener as he rehabilitates a back issue, with the Gabba Test his stated target for a return.
- Scott Boland is set to deputise for Cummins, with uncapped Brendan Doggett mentioned as a potential call-up if further cover is required as Lance Morris and Spencer Johnson are also sidelined.
- Both Hazlewood and Abbott suffered issues during Sheffield Shield tune-ups, and the Nov. 21 Perth match doubles as an ICC World Test Championship fixture.