Clarke doubtful for first Test following fiance father's death

Sydney, May 12 : Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke is in doubt for the first Test against the West Indies in Jamaica following the death of fiance Lara Bingle's father.

Graham Bingle, who had been battling cancer, died on May 10 at a Sydney hospital.

Clarke is supporting fiance Lara and her family with a funeral, which expected to be held later this week, the Sydney Morning Herald reported.

The 27-year-old Clarke, promoted to the Test vice-captaincy following Adam Gilchrist's retirement, cited family reasons for not joining the Australian squad as they departed for the Caribbean on Saturday.

Australia start their tour with a three-day match against a Jamaica XI starting on Friday in Kingston.

NSW captain Simon Katich, who was named in the Test squad as a reserve batsman, is likely to move back into the side if Clarke isn't available for the first Test.

Clarke's father Les is suffering from Hodgkin's disease.

ANI