But Behrendorff was hopeful of being fit for the Indian Premier League, which hits off in April.

He's definitely been ruled out of the Big Bash League as well as Australia's Twenty20 internationals against New Zealand and England in February.

At this stage the 27-year-old hasn't officially been ruled out of the remainder of the Sheffield Shield season, but Langer admitted he was unlikely to return.

It was a double blow for the Scorchers with fellow quick Nathan Coulter-Nile also ruled out for the rest of the BBL, Australia's one-day international series against England and potentially the rest of the summer too.

Langer wasn't optimistic when asked if either would play again this summer.

"I wouldn't have thought so. That's the truth. I'd like to tell you we are, but I don't think we will," he said on Wednesday.

"Tough news about those guys, we've probably known it's on the cards. We knew we were going to have our challenges this year. It's so disappointing for them.

"They're both in the prime of their careers and looking to play for Australia and looking to play BBL cricket. Not to be able to do it I really feel for them."

Behrendorff, who made his T20 debut for Australia against India last year, was devastated by the news.

He's had a terrible run with injuries, first injuring his back in early 2015 and having a stress fracture in his leg a year ago as well.

Behrendorff has been unable to shake the stress-fracture-related pain that flared up in his back during the Sheffield Shield game against Queensland late last year.

He's being rested from all bowling duties, which will continue until the pain resides.

Behrendorff took to social media to say he was still hopeful of being fit for the Indian Premier League later in the year.

"To say I am disappointed is an understatement, particularly given I missed last season as well with injury," he posted on Instagram.

"It's well known, but in short I've had an on-going issue with my back that flared recently and I've been managing it since the Sheffield Shield season.

"I was really hoping and expecting to be right and ready to go for the Big Bash, but my back is still giving me grief.

"It's been hard news to take, but I want you to know I'm doing all I can to get it right and to get back out there as soon as possible.

"At this stage I'm staying positive and looking forward to opportunities ahead. I'm going to put my name forward for the IPL and see what happens through the auction.

"I loved being in India for the recent T20 tour with the Aussie boys and if I'm lucky enough to get picked up I'm sure it will be a great experience."

It's been a similar tale for Coulter-Nile, who's battled back, hamstring and shoulder injuries during the last two years.

Langer has been searching far and wide for advice on how to get the duo back fit and firing, including talking to Australian legend Dennis Lillee - who suffered a career-threatening back injury during his fast-bowling days.

Coulter-Nile has played 21 ODIs and 19 T20s for Australia, while Behrendorff has played two T20s in the green and gold.

The Canberra product starred with 4-21 in his second T20 against India in October.

"When they're both fit and running they're both competitive animals, they're very talented cricketers so we've just got to get them on the park to play," Langer said.

"I saw Dennis Lillee on the plane the other day, I had a great chat to him.

"We're talking to different universities, we're talking to everyone we possibly can. To have so many injuries, it's our No.1 priority at the moment."

The Scorchers play the Brisbane Heat at the Gabba on Friday night.