Sydney, Oct 10 (IANS): Michael Hussey will not play in the Sheffield Shield this week as Cricket Australia (CA) has advised him rest before the national team leaves for a tour of South Africa.

Hussey's Western Australia will open their Shield campaign against Tasmania Tuesday and Australia fly out to South Africa Friday.

Cricket Australia (CA) has made the decision considering Hussey's recent return from India where he represented Chennai Super Kings in the Champions League T20. Prior to that, he was occupied with the series in Sri Lanka.

"The NSP took into account all the various factors in making this decision. Michael was Man of the Match in all three Test matches on Australia's tour of Sri Lanka and has just returned from the CLT20, so his recent workload has been significant," said Cricket Australia General Manager Cricket Michael Brown.

"Looking at all the coming international fixtures, it was decided that it is best for Michael if he sits out this week's Sheffield Shield fixture in Perth, in advance of his Friday night flight to South Africa.

"The NSP has advised that Ricky Ponting, Xavier Doherty and Mitchell Johnson will all be available for selection for this Sheffield Shield fixture," Brown added.