Date:10/05/2008 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2008/05/10/stories/2008051055972200.htm

Sport - Cricket

Clarke delays departure to West Indies

Brisbane: Vice-captain Michael Clarke has withdrawn from the start of Australia’s three-Test cricket tour to the West Indies for family reasons.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.

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

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

Brad Hodge, currently playing for the IPL team Kolkata Knight Riders, was named as shadow player and will join the squad en route to the Caribbean. — AP