Australia's cricket team has suffered another setback before next week's opening Test against the West Indies in Georgetown with batsman Damien Martyn ruled out of the series.

Martyn's fractured right index finger has not healed as hoped and the West Australian has been told not to bat for four weeks.

With fast bowler Glenn McGrath at home with ill wife Jane, the Australians were down to only 13 fit players for Saturday's opening tour match against the Guyana Board President's XI in Georgetown.

A replacement for Martyn will be named in the coming days, with NSW batsmen Michael Clarke and Simon Katich the leading contenders, while Darren Lehmann and Martin Love were expected to play in next Thursday's first Test.

Martyn sustained his injury in the World Cup clash against Kenya on March 15 but returned to feature in Australia's final victory over India in Johannesburg on March 23.

"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," Australian team physiotherapist Errol Alcott said.

"He has limited movement in the finger, meaning he would certainly not be available for this 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."

The seven-match one-day series begins in Jamaica on May 17.

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