Injured pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood on Monday was ruled out of Australia's opening Test against South Africa in Brisbane this week, but skipper Pat Cummins "appears likely" to play.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hazlewood, who has a side strain and missed the just-completed second Test against the West Indies in Adelaide, was the only omission in a 14-man squad.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But Cummins is set to return after also sitting out the 419-run win in Adelaide with a thigh problem.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
That means either Scott Boland or Michael Neser will miss out despite both impressing in their returns to the Test arena against the Caribbean side.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Uncapped speedster Lance Morris remains in the 14-man squad as a wildcard option.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Pat continues to improve, bowled with freedom on Saturday and appears likely to play this match, although Josh will need more time," said chief selector George Bailey.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"With that in mind, we have retained Michael Neser and Lance Morris in the squad for this match.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"Michael bowled superbly in Adelaide, as did Scott," he added.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"We were impressed as always with their performances that backed up what they have achieved in the past. Lance is a very exciting prospect who will benefit from time with the squad."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Australia head into the first of three Tests against the Proteas from Friday in red-hot form, having crushed the West Indies by 164 runs then 419 runs.<\/p>\r\n\r\n