BRISBANE (AP): Vice captain Michael Clarke has withdrawn from the start of Australia's three-test cricket tour to the West Indies to remain in Sydney for family reasons.

The remainder of the squad broke camp in Brisbane on Friday and will leave Saturday for Jamaica.

Cricket Australia released a statement saying Clarke had been granted ``compassionate leave for private family reasons'' and his arrival date in the West Indies remained unclear.

Mike Hussey will act as captain Ricky Ponting's deputy until Clarke rejoins the team, Cricket Australia confirmed.

Domestic media reported that Clarke had asked for a delay in his departure due to the failing health of his fiancee Lara Bingle's father Graham, who reportedly has cancer.

Clarke, who elected not to play in the lucrative ongoing Indian Premier League Twenty20 competition so that he could spend time with his family, became engaged to model Bingle after the last Australian summer.