Michael Hussey has been called into the Australian Test squad as cover for opener Justin Langer who is nursing a fractured rib, a media release said in Sydney on Monday.

- Schedule: West Indies in Australia

Australia take on the West Indies in the first of a three-Test match series, beginning Thursday.

Langer was hit in the chest by a rising delivery from Victoria fast bowler Gerard Denton while batting for Western Australia in their one-day match at Melbourne's Junction Oval on Saturday.

Although a final decision on his fitness is yet to be taken, the selectors have decided to play safe by inducting Hussey.

Chairman of the selection panel, Trevor Hohns said, ''In the event that he is not fit to play, we want to have a player on standby at Brisbane.'' The left hander is expected to join the squad in Brisbane today.

He also said reports from the team medical staff have suggested that Langer may practice tomorrow.

The series will be Australia's first since losing the Ashes to England.

- UNI