JOSH Hazlewood is set to return for NSW in Friday night’s must-win Matador Cup match against Queensland.

The flat-looking Blues need a major injection of enthusiasm if they’re to remain a chance to defend their one-day title, and they may get it with the prospect of international stars Hazlewood and Pat Cummins leading an attack together.

NSW slumped to their second consecutive loss on Wednesday, thumped by six-wickets by South Australia, and are now languishing in second-last position.

With the exception of the Blues captain Moises Henriques, the batting order is struggling to make an impression.

NSW paceman Josh Hazlewood. Source: News Corp Australia

Ed Cowan (50), Nic Maddinson (36), Henriques (26) and Kurtis Patterson (27) all made starts but failed to go on with it, as NSW were bowled out for just 208 in the 49th over.

But sometimes there’s nothing like the inspiration of two spearheads to get a campaign back on track.

Hazlewood was rested from the ODI tour of South Africa that ended on Wednesday night and bowled strongly in the nets on Wednesday in preparation for a return against the Bulls.

Cummins was rested for Wednesday’s match but is also a big chance to return.

How Australia would have loved to have the two big right-armers leading an attack in South Africa that’s failed to fire a shot.