Australia captain Michael Clarke has been ordered to rest this weekend, rather than play for the Sydney Thunder in the Big Bash League, after picking up a lower back niggle in the series against South Africa.

Clarke spent a massive amount in the middle against the Proteas, scoring two double centuries, and the team managers have now asked him to take it easy ahead of the series against Sri Lanka, starting next week.

Team performance manager Pat Howard said: "Given the amount of cricket Michael Clarke has played in the past month, and having reported some lower back stiffness after the Perth Test, and with the first Test match against Sri Lanka starting next Friday, our medical staff have advised Michael not to play cricket this weekend.

"(Fast bowler) Ben Hilfenhaus has also been advised not to play BBL this weekend, although the NSP are yet to meet to determine the Australia squad for the first Test match against Sri Lanka."

Added to Hilfenhaus being rested, along with Pat Cummins and James Pattinson's injuries, the Aussies now also have to deal with other fast bowling injuries. Josh Hazlewood was ruled out for the next month with a recurring foot injury, while John Hastings, who made his debut in Perth, is struggling with a back issue.

CA's Chief Medical Officer Justin Paoloni said: "Josh Hazlewood reported some left foot soreness in the same region of his foot where he had a stress fracture last season.

"Because of his age and history with this type of injury, he will have a short break from bowling for a few weeks and be back playing in approximately 4-6 weeks."

He added: "John Hastings had some back pain at the completion of the Perth Test. He had scans that have ruled out serious injury. He will be reviewed later this week to determine his return to training and playing.

"He will miss the first T20 Big Bash League game and possibly be unavailable for selection for the first Test versus Sri Lanka in Hobart, depending on how responds to treatment."