Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke will miss the start of the three-Test tour to the West Indies for "private family reasons".

Clarke has been given compassionate leave by Cricket Australia to remain in Sydney, meaning he will not travel with the rest of the squad to the Caribbean on Saturday.

A statement from CA read: "Clarke's arrival date in the West Indies is currently unclear."

Michael Hussey will be handed the role as vice-captain in the interim, while a "shadow player" will be announced to cover for Clarke.

"Despite the circumstances it is a huge honour to be given the role of vice-captain, even if it may only be for a short period of time," Hussey said.

Australia play the first Test in Jamaica on May 22.