Mike Hussey has pulled out of Australia’s one-day cricket squad for the tour to England and Ireland for family reasons, with Peter Forrest called in as his replacement.

Veteran batsman Hussey requested permission from Cricket Australia (CA) to stay home with his family following the premature birth of his fourth child.

Forrest, who played in the recent tour to the West Indies and made a half century in the fifth ODI, had been nominated as a standby player.

Captain Michael Clarke’s team depart on Thursday for Ireland where they play one ODI before going on to face England in five one-day matches.

Hussey said he had to put his family first.

“Due to our baby being born three months early, it is important for the family for me to be here at this time,” he said in a CA statement.

“It is always difficult to miss any tour for Australia and I thank CA for their understanding of our family’s situation.”