The Aussie quick is ahead of schedule in his recovery from injury and could return this weekend for NSW.

After skipping the season opener, it means Hazlewood is set to play rounds 2 and 3 of the Sheffield Shield. 

However the third game runs until November 16, just a week out from the first Test at the Gabba. 

“Until he suffered the side strain, ultimately we wanted him playing the first Shield game like the other boys,” team physio David Beakley said.

“He hasn’t played that match but he played grade (cricket last weekend), is expected to play this week.

“If he still gets a couple of Shield games in it’s pretty good preparation.”