Clarke to replace Martyn for Travelex Tour of the West Indies

The Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced today that New South Wales batsman Michael Clarke will replace Damien Martyn on the Travelex Tour of the West Indies.

Martyn was ruled out of the tour after learning that his fractured right index finger, sustained during Australia's World Cup match against Kenya on 15 March, required more time to heal.

He is not expected to be able to bat for another four weeks before being reviewed ahead of the one-day international leg of the tour.

Clarke, 22, made his one-day international debut for Australia in the VB Series match against England at the Adelaide Oval in January, scoring an unbeaten 39 runs from 47 balls, and taking 1-24 from seven overs with his left-arm orthodox spin.

He is currently on duty with Australia A in Brisbane and will depart for the West Indies over the weekend.

Chairman of the National Selection Panel, Mr Trevor Hohns, said Clarke was deserving of selection after displaying consistent form throughout the season.

"Michael has certainly been in the minds of selectors for some time, and the opportunity has now become available to elevate him to the Test squad.

"He is a young enthusiastic player who will add some spark and versatility to the team.

"We regard Michael as a promising player for the future and the tour will be a tremendous learning experience for him.

"The West Indies is a tough tour to undertake first-up in your career with difficult conditions and surroundings, but the knowledge he will gain will put him in good stead for future tours and build his grounding as a quality player."

The New South Welshman was the fifth highest first-class run scorer this season, with 813 at an average of 47.82 and was a member of the Blues' ING Cup and Pura Cup winning teams.

He was the fourth highest run-scorer in the Pura Cup with 763 at an average of 47.68. In the ING Cup, Clarke was the Blues' leading run-scorer and the competition's third highest with 385 runs at an average of 55.00.

Queensland batsman Clinton Perren has been named to replace Clarke in the Australia A side.