Michael Clarke, Australia's appointed vice-captain for the forthcoming tour of the West Indies, has pulled out from the tour due to the serious condition of his fiancé's dad.

Fiance Lara's father Graham Bingle is suffering with liver cancer for more than a year and Clarke felt he needed to be with the family. He left the team camp in Brisbane on the eve of the team's departure on Saturday.

The Australian cricket board has granted Clarke compassionate leave.

"I will not be travelling to the West Indies with the team due to family reasons," Clarke was quoted as saying to Cricinfo,in a short statement.

"I am looking forward to getting over there as soon as possible," he added.

Meanwhile, Michael Hussey will be skipper Ricky Ponting's deputy in Clarke's absence and Brad Hodge as his shadow player.