Australia decide against risking Josh Hazlewood for World Test Championship final with Ashes on the horizon

Scott Boland is now expected to complete the seam attack against India at the Kia Oval, as Michael Neser comes into the 15-strong group

Josh Hazlewood remains on course to be fit in time for the start of the Ashes despite Australia withdrawing him from the World Test Championship final squad to face India at the Kia Oval.

Another side issue picked up while with Royal Challengers Bangalore during the Indian Premier League means he has been replaced in the 15-strong group as a precaution.

Michael Neser, who has been preparing for the showcase final with the squad following a county stint with Glamorgan, comes into the squad with Scott Boland now the favourite to complete the seam attack in south London.

The second WTC final starts on Wednesday (June 7).

Despite the setback, Australia believe the decision enhances Hazlewood's race to be fit in time for the first Ashes Test at Edgbaston starting on June 16.

^{Hazlewood made just three IPL outings for RCB (MONEY SHARMA/AFP via Getty Images)}

"Josh was very, very close to being given the green light but we are cognisant that our upcoming schedule means this is not a one-off Test match of us,2 said chief selector George Bailey.

"This will give Josh an ideal preparation leading into Edgbaston. With six Test matches in a little over seven weeks we will need all of our fast bowling assets.

"Michael's county form has been strong and knowing that he was going to be close by allowed for him to keep playing and for us to be able to call on him. He is a great strength to have as part of the fast-bowling group."

^{Scott Boland looks set to get the nod for the Kia Oval (Mark Brake/Getty Images)}

The 32-year-old Hazlewood only played three IPL matches before returning home after "experiencing minor side soreness", having arrived late at the competition due to a delayed return from an Achillies injury suffered during the South Africa Test series.

As a result, he didn't feature on the India tour (flying home after the first two Tests) and has only featured in four of Australia's last 19 Tests.

Though Pat Cummins has cover, he will be dearly hoping to be able to call upon his fellow right-arm seamer over the coming weeks. In eight Tests in England, Hazlewood has taken 36 wickets at 23.58.

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