Mike Hussey replaced opening batsman Justin Langer in the Australia team to play the West Indies in the first Test, starting in Brisbane on Thursday.

Langer, who broke a rib batting in the domestic competition on the weekend, was ruled out after failing a fitness test at the Gabba on Tuesday.

"It's very painful, it feels like I've got barbed wire in my chest every time I run," Langer told reporters.

"I know I won't be able to give 100 per cent to this great team, so unfortunately I won't be able to play."

Langer's omission will allow Hussey to make his Test debut after a long apprenticeship in first-class cricket.

The 30-year-old left-hander has scored 15,313 first-class runs in his career, more than any other player to make his debut for Australia.

Langer was ordered to rest as a precaution but is expected to be fit for the second and third Tests.