After returning from IPL 2023 with side pain, Josh Hazlewood has been given the all-clear and is now eligible to play in the World Test Championship final against India and the Ashes that will follow.

Hazlewood has not played a single Test in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India due to a protracted period of injury problems. Hazlewood's anticipated return to cricket during the ongoing IPL was also delayed.

The veteran fast has had little impact in the IPL, having appeared in only three games and bowling nine overs. He last played for the Royal Challengers Bangalore on May 9 and reported side discomfort before their last match, prompting an early return to Australia.

"Josh Hazlewood returned home from the IPL last weekend after experiencing minor side soreness after the completion of his most recent IPL match," a Cricket Australia (CA) spokesperson said.

"After a brief and precautionary rest period, Hazlewood returned to high intensity bowling last week and will continue to increase his bowling workloads in preparation for the WTC and Ashes series. Hazlewood is considered fit and available for the WTC and Ashes Series."

Australia is confident that they have avoided a substantial injury issue just days prior to departing for the United Kingdom, but they do have more options available if necessary. Michael Neser and Sean Abbott, who have been playing for Glamorgan and Surrey in the County Championship, will join the squad during their training exercise prior to the WTC final against India.

Australia's 17-man squad for the UK will be reduced to 15 for the WTC final, which begins on June 7, before the team's scheduled departure on May 28. After the conclusion, there will be a five-match Ashes series.