Australia have confirmed that Josh Hazlewood will miss the opening Test of the three-match series against South Africa in Brisbane, starting on Saturday.

The Australian side, who are fresh off a 2-0 thumping of the West Indies in Perth and Adelaide, were forced into a pair of changes for the second Test against the men from the Carribean.

Captain Pat Cummins missed out through a quad issue, while Hazlewood was ruled out through a side strain.

The Aussie captain has been named in the squad for the first Test against South Africa and, after racing the clock for Adelaide, will likely return to the XI for the first Test against the Proteas, taking back the captaincy from Steve Smith.

Cummins' return will mean the two players who played in Adelaide - Michael Neser and Scott Boland - will be fighting for a single spot in the side on a wicket which traditionally has plenty in it for the quick bowlers at the Gabba.

Lance Morris, who was also called into the squad for the second Test against the West Indies, also remains in the 14-man group with a chance at a Test debut remaining.

Chief selector George Bailey said Cummins is continuing to improve.

"Pat continues to improve, bowled with freedom on Saturday and appears likely to play this match although Josh will need more time," Bailey said in a statement.

"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. 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.

"With so much cricket ahead, we continue to seek opportunities to grow and maintain our fast-bowling experience and depth."

Australia have made no changes to the batting order for the first Test.

Australian squad for first Test

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

South African squad

Dean Elgar (c), Temba Bavuma, Gerald Coetzee, Theunis de Bruyn, Sarel Eree, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Heinrich Klaasen, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Kagiso Rabada, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams, Khaya Zondo