Michael Clarke
Michael Clarke returned to cricket yesterday looking to
put his personal dramas behind him as the Australian test squad
resumed training for the first test against New Zealand.
The vice-captain had skipped the last three games of
Australia's five-match one-day series against the Kiwis to
sort out his relationship with bikini model Lara Bingle.
Clarke's management announced last week the pair's engagement
was off and now the 28-year-old is keen to turn his focus
back to cricket.
Clarke was flanked by officials including team manager Steve
Bernard as he arrived at Wellington airport on Monday and
negotiated the two-minute walk to the car park.
Looking drained and under siege, he threw his sunglasses on
and repeated the line "no comment, sorry guys" at least six
times.
Australian pace bowler Doug Bollinger said his NSW team-mate
would be fine for Friday's first test at Wellington's Basin
Reserve.
"It will take his mind off everything that's going on and I
reckon it'll be great for him," Bollinger said.
"He'll be great around the group and great playing cricket.
"He'll be all right, he'll be fine."
Australian test batsman Mike Hussey has paid tribute to
Clarke's mental strength, while warning the Kiwis that
sledging the vice-captain over his personal dramas would be
"below the belt".
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