Clarke on leave, to depart later for West Indies

Brisbane, May 9 (UNI) Australian vice-captain Michael Clarke will delay his departure for the tour of West Indies after being given compassionate leave to remain in Sydney for personal reasons.

The rest of the Australian squad will depart for the West Indies tomorrow.

Cricket Australia (CA) in a statement said Clarke would join his team at a later, as yet unspecified, date.

Left-hand batsman Michael Hussey will assume the role of vice-captain until Clarke arrives, while a shadow player will be announced by the CA National Selection Panel in due course.

''Despite the circumstances it is a huge honour to be given the role of vice-captain, even if it may only be for a short period of time, '' the statement added.

Australia will play three Tests in West Indies, starting this month in Jamaica.

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