Australia have suffered a big blow ahead of the opening Test against South Africa as pace spearhead Josh Hazlewood has been ruled of the series.

The three-match Test series is scheduled to get underway at the Gabba in Brisbane from Saturday (December 17).

Hazlewood, who missed the just-concluded second Test against the West Indies in Adelaide due to side strain, was the only omission in a 14-man squad.

Australia skipper Pat Cummins ran out of time to recover from a quad strain and didn’t feature in the pink-ball Test against the West Indies, but he is all set to return to lead the side in the opening Test versus South Africa.

Cummins’ return means either Scott Boland or Michael Neser will miss out despite both of them bowling well at the Adelaide Oval.

Uncapped pacer Lance Morris continues to be part of the 14-member squad.

"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.

"With that in mind, we have retained Michael Neser and Lance Morris in the squad for this match.

"Michael bowled superbly in Adelaide, as did Scott," he added.

"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."

Australia will enter into the Test series against South Africa, having whitewashed the West Indies in the two-match series. While the hosts defeated the Kraigg Brathwaite-led side by 164 runs in the series opener at Perth, they thrashed them by 419 runs in the second Test.

Australia Squad: Pat Cummins (capt), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Marcus Harris, Travis Head, Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Lance Morris, Michael Neser, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, David Warner

(With AFP inputs)