Ronchi is a capable keeper and a hard-hitting batsman

Australia have summoned uncapped wicket-keeper Luke Ronchi to join their squad in the West Indies.

The 27-year-old will provide cover for first-choice keeper Brad Haddin, who broke the ring finger of his right hand during the second Test in Antigua.

Chief selector Andrew Hilditch said Ronchi's call-up was a precaution against Haddin "missing the third Test and a part of the one-day series".

Ronchi has recently been playing for Mumbai in the Indian Premier League.

He will try to the Caribbean as soon as possible in order to be available for the third Test in Barbados, starting on 12 June.

606: DEBATE Flying Ronchi in with only a few days left isn't exactly an ideal scenario jamesthebullet

"Luke had a very strong season in all forms of interstate cricket and performed very well on the Australia A team's tour [to Pakistan] at the start of the 2007-08 season.

"He is ready for any opportunity that may present itself and will benefit greatly from his time in the Australian environment in the West Indies," said Hilditch.

"The need for Luke to remain with the squad will be decided as Brad Haddin's fitness becomes clearer."

Ronchi, who was born in New Zealand, made his first-class debut for Western Australia in the 2002-03 season and has taken almost 170 catches and scored more than 2,700 runs in all competitions, including three first-class centuries.

Like former state team-mate Adam Gilchrist, he regularly opens the batting in one-day cricket.