Australia's 14-player selection for the first match of the series against the Proteas will be without a vital bowler for the first Test against South Africa.
Josh Hazlewood, an experienced pacer, is still dealing with a side strain and is out of the match starting on Saturday at The Gabba. However, the selectors are optimistic that skipper Pat Cummins will recover from his quad injury and be cleared to play.
Hazlewood and Cummins were absent from Australia's convincing 419-run victory over the West Indies in Adelaide, but other pacers Michael Neser and Scott Boland filled in well.
George Bailey, the chief selector, claims that Cummins is close to making a comeback but Hazlewood is still having difficulty recovering from a side ailment.
Although Josh will need more time, Bailey stated that Pat "continues to develop," "bowled with freedom on Saturday," and "appears likely to play this match."
"Given this, we decided to keep Michael Neser and Lance Morris in the lineup for this game.
"Scott and Michael both bowled beautifully in Adelaide. As usual, we were impressed by their efforts, which supported their prior successes. Lance is a very promising young player who will gain from time spent with the group.
"With so much cricket ahead, we continue to seek opportunities to grow and maintain our fast-bowling experience and depth."
The three-match series against South Africa looms as a crucial one for both teams as they chase a place at next year's ICC World Test Championship final at The Oval.
Australia's emphatic 2-0 series sweep over the West Indies saw them increase their lead at the head of the World Test Championship standings, while South Africa remain in second place.
Australia squad for first Test v South Africa: Pat Cummins (c), 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