Uncapped paceman Brad Williams will join the Australian squad for the four-Test tour of the West Indies as a temporary replacement for Glenn McGrath, the Australian Cricket Board said on Thursday.

McGrath, 33, left Steve Waugh's team in London earlier this week and caught a flight back to Sydney to be with his wife Jane, who has cancer.

"Jane McGrath has been diagnosed with a secondary cancer infection in her hip. All indications are that with treatment, she will have a full recovery," the ACB said in a statement.

She has previously battled breast cancer.

The uncertainty over the leading fast bowler's availability meant the ACB had to make a quick decision on a replacement player, chairman of selectors Trevor Hohns said in a statement.

"It is an unfortunate situation confronting the McGrath family and it was important for Glenn to return home to be with his wife Jane.

"We will talk to Glenn over the weekend to ascertain his position and see how everything is progressing.

"While we expect he will be able to return to the West Indies, we needed to make an urgent decision about a replacement player after consulting with team management.

"With Damien Martyn joining the squad later in the tour and Jason Gillespie's recent recovery from a heel problem, we felt it was necessary to call in another player to boost the bowling stocks," he said.

Australia's frontline attack of McGrath, Gillespie, Brett Lee and leg-spinner Shane Warne could now be at one-quarter strength for at least the first of the four Tests.

Warne had received a 12-month doping suspension in February and batsman Martyn is being treated in Perth for a broken finger.

Gillespie only returned to bowling in the Adelaide nets last week.

McGrath, who has taken 422 wickets in 91 Tests, was expected to be Australia's key weapon in dismissing West Indies captain Brian Lara cheaply.

Williams, 28, is a fiery quick from Western Australia who has played six one-day internationals.

Williams said: "Obviously I'm pleased to be given the chance to head across to the West Indies and will do my best to help Australia, but certainly our thoughts are with the McGraths at the moment."

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What do you think about the story? Read what others have to say: Number of User Comments: 8 Sub: RE:McGrath yes, he helped a friend in need put out a fire. that MIGHT mean he is a better person off the field. but on the ... Posted by King Sub: Aussies are never low... Its hard time 4 Glen but Ausseis are never half even if they left with all new ballers coming in.Even they have potientials to be ... Posted by Shaikh Javed Sub: Williams to replace McGrath for WI i would really miss mcgrath steaming into bowl to lara it would have been a great site for any cricket fan. i just hope a ... Posted by rishi vijan Sub: Mcgrath is anything but a gentleman.!!! i wish Mrs. Mcgrath a speedy recovery , but Mr. Ravi dont ever call Glenn a gentleman- the one instance that immediately comes to my ... Posted by RAMBALI Sub: treatment My dear grath, I just read the message in our email. I pray god to help you and your family. In this connection, i would ... Posted by shivaram