Sydney: Batsman Damien Martyn was on Friday ruled out of Australia's cricket tour of the West Indies because of a fractured finger, the Australian Cricket Board (ACB) said.

Martyn fractured his right index finger while fielding against Kenya on March 15 during the World Cup in Southern Africa.

A replacement for the West Australian batsman is expected to be named by the national selectors in the next few days with young New South Welshman Michael Clarke and Queenslander Jimmy Maher considered the leading contenders.

Martyn did not fly out with the team to the Caribbean last Monday to stay behind for further tests on his finger. A specialist diagnosed that the fracture had shifted in position and Martyn was advised not to commence batting for another four weeks.

The ACB said Martyn's hand injury would be reviewed ahead of the One-day International series in the West Indies, in late May.

Team physiotherapist Errol Alcott said Martyn's finger injury would require more time to heal than first thought. "We have been advised that the fracture in Damien's finger has shifted, meaning that it is not yet stable enough to withstand the rigours of international cricket," Alcott said in an ACB statement.

"He has limited movement in the finger, meaning he certainly would not be available for the Test series. The fracture will need protection for up to four weeks, after which we are hopeful the healing process has taken hold and he is fit enough to be available for One-day International selection."

Martyn played in last month's World Cup final against India with the help of painkillers and scored 88 not out off 84 balls as he and Ricky Ponting put on a record, unbeaten stand of 234.

He has played in 33 Tests and scored 2,000 runs at 46.51 with five centuries.

Copyright AFP 2001

Extras:
I want to be as fit as possible on a long tour: Martyn