Australia vice captain Michael Clarke [Images] will delay his departure for the tour of West Indies [Images] due to the failing health of his fiancee's father.

Cricket Australia (CA) announced on Friday that Clarke would join the Australian team at a later, as yet unspecified, date and that Brad Hodge would act as a temporary replacement.

The Australia squad will depart for the West Indies on Saturday, with Michael Hussey taking over as vice captain until Clarke arrives.

Australia play three Tests in West Indies, starting on May 22 in Jamaica.

(Writing by Andrew Stevens; Editing by Peter Rutherford)