Michael Clarke could arrive in the West Indies the day before the first Test, but he will not play in the match.

The decision means Simon Katich has a huge chance to press for a recall during the three-day tour match against a Jamaican XI that starts on Friday night (AEST).

While Ashley Noffke is also a possibility to win a Test debut if Australia push for five bowlers at Sabina Park next Thursday, Katich is the most likely replacement in a straight batting swap with Clarke.

The funeral of Graham Bingle, the father of Clarke's fiancee Lara, is in Sydney today and the batsman withdrew from the early stages of the tour to spend time with family.

The Herald Sun reported a Cricket Australia official saying Clarke hoped to fly to the West Indies early next week, but he would not appear in the Test.

By the time the second match begins in Antigua on May 30 Clarke will be prepared to play and ready to accept the vice-captaincy, which is temporarily in the hands of Michael Hussey.

When Clarke arrives there will be no room for the shadow player Brad Hodge, who will return to the Indian Premier League.

While the Australians have had some disruptions, the West Indies have had a smooth lead-up to the series during a camp in Antigua.

John Dyson, the West Indies coach, has been telling his team it is time to deliver against the world champions.

"This is a really great opportunity for them," Dyson told AFP.

"As I look at the main players it is a chance to further enhance their reputations.

When you look at the less high-profile players, it is a golden opportunity for them to put their hands up and say: 'I have arrived.' "I have been telling them this is the time to really deliver and be counted, and what better occasion than against the best side in the world and in front of your supporters on home turf.

If everyone delivers the team will surely benefit."