Michael Clarke. Photo by NPA.
Michael Clarke is due to arrive back in New Zealand to
rejoin the Australian cricket squad today, with teammate Mike
Hussey saying he hopes the Black Caps respect the
vice-captain's privacy.
Clarke walked out on a five-match one-day international
series after two games to rush home to Sydney to sort out his
relationship with model Lara Bingle.
The 28-year-old announced on Friday that his engagement with
Bingle was off.
He's expected to take his place in the team for Friday's
first test against the Black Caps in Wellington, with Ricky
Ponting's side resuming training at the Basin Reserve on
Tuesday.
"I think it is a personal issue and it's probably going a
little bit too far if they do mention anything about that,"
Hussey said.
"I don't know, we'll have to wait and see really.
"He's such a mentally tough person. He'll be fine.
"It's important we don't get caught up in that by-play."
Hussey says his teammates have spent little time discussing
Clarke's personal dramas.
"We want him back as quickly as possible because he is an
integral part of our team and a very fine player," Hussey
said.
"We want him back and a hundred per cent focused on playing
well for Australia.
"Hopefully he can get through his issues as quickly as
possible and we can have him back.
"But as a group we haven't really spoken about it much at
all. We've just tried to focus on the job of playing for
Australia and we'll let him deal with all his issues off the
field."
Australia lost to New Zealand by 51 runs in Saturday night's
fifth ODI clash but the tourists retained the Chappell-Hadlee
Trophy with a three-two series win.
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