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Australia<\/strong> will miss the services of their key player in the first Test of the three-match series against South Africa<\/strong>. The selectors have named a 14-member squad for the Aussies\u2019 opening game against the Proteas.<\/p>\n Veteran pacer Josh Hazlewood, who suffered a side strain during the first Test against the West Indies last week, will need more time to recover from his injury. Uncapped seamer Lance Morris<\/strong> has been added to the squad as Hazlewood\u2019s cover.<\/p>\n \u201cPat continues to improve, bowled with freedom on Saturday and appears likely to play this match although Josh will need more time,\u201d<\/em> Cricket Australia\u2019s chairman of selectors George Bailey<\/strong> said.<\/p>\n Meanwhile, captain Pat Cummins<\/strong> is set to return to the playing XI after having sat out of the second Test due to a quad injury. His return would leave Scott Boland<\/strong> and Michael Neser<\/strong> to compete for the third pacer\u2019s spot in the final XI.<\/p>\n \u201cWith that in mind, we have retained Michael Neser and Lance Morris in the squad for this match,\u201d<\/em> added Bailey.<\/p>\n \u201cMichael bowled superbly in Adelaide, as did Scott. 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.<\/em><\/p>\n \u201cWith so much cricket ahead, we continue to seek opportunities to grow and maintain our fast-bowling experience and depth.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n The series against South Africa looms as a crucial one for both teams as they look for place at the next year\u2019s ICC World Test Championship (WTC)<\/strong> final.<\/p>\n Australia\u2019s comprehensive 2-0 series sweep over the West Indies saw them increase their lead in the WTC standings, while South Africa remain in second place.<\/p>\n Australia squad for opening Test against South Africa:<\/strong><\/p>\n Pat Cummins (c), David Warner, Steve Smith, Marnus Labuschagne, Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc.<\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n