Damien Martyn to miss one-day international leg of Travelex Tour of West Indies, Michael Clarke drafted in

Australian top-order batsman Damien Martyn has been ruled-out of the one-day international leg of the 2003 Travelex Tour of the West Indies due to a finger injury, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) announced today.

He will be replaced in the 15-man squad by New South Wales Blues batsman Michael Clarke, currently on tour in the West Indies with the Australian Test side.

Martyn, who fractured his right index finger while fielding during Australia's five-wicket World Cup victory over Kenya on 15 March, missing the Test leg of the West Indies tour, has been undergoing specialist treatment since his return from South Africa in March.

A medical review of the injury has discovered that whilst the fracture has healed, joint stiffness will prevent him from batting for another four weeks.

Upon learning of the news that he would not be taking part in the one-day international leg of the tour Martyn said: "Having had some time to contemplate the injury, I have been able to come to terms with sitting on the sidelines.

"Missing the Test series in the West Indies was probably the biggest blow, but as time went by it became apparent that things weren't going to be entirely right for the one-dayers either.

"I guess the selectors could have ruled me out of the squad earlier, but they gave me as much time as possible to prove my fitness, which I appreciate.

"I'm naturally disappointed that I won't be on the plane to the Caribbean, but it's important that I allow the treatment to take its course and get things right for good.

"I'm making steady progress, which is encouraging, and I'm really looking getting myself 100 per cent right for the Top End Tour in Cairns and Darwin," he said.

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.

Speaking from Barbados, Clarke said: "I feel really sorry for Damien that he still isn't fit, after what must be a frustrating time on the sidelines.

"However I'm thrilled to be able to stay on with the Australian side and hopefully play some part in the one-day series.

"Just being around the senior players on tour has been a terrific learning experience and I'm grateful for being given the chance to continue that.

"The one-day international that I played in Adelaide in January was the highlight of my career to date, so to I'm really excited that there's the opportunity for more matches in national colours," he said.