Michael Clarke abandons NZ tour for 'personal reasons'

Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke has abandoned his country's tour of New Zealand for personal reasons on the same day his fiancee Lara Bingle broke her silence.

Clarke left the team's Hamilton hotel on Monday night to fly back to Sydney as the remainder of the squad prepared for Tuesday's third one-day international against the Black Caps.

Clarke's departure leaves just 12 players in the Australia travelling part with Voges and Clint McKay the two back-ups yet to play in the Chappell-Hadlee series.

It is not known how long Clarke will be away from the team, Cricket Australia (CA) said Monday.
"Michael is attending to personal, non-cricket matters and we ask on his behalf that his privacy be respected," CA general manager Michael Brown said.