Clarke eager to return to duty

Michael Clarke cuts a relaxed figure as he prepares for the opening Test against New Zealand in Wellington this week

Michael Clarke is looking forward to focusing on playing cricket again following the recent upheaval in his private life - but knows he can expect a few choice words from the New Zealand fans.

The Australia vice-captain today faced the media for the first time since the break-up of his relationship with model Lara Bingle, admitting he is raring to go ahead of Australia's first Test against New Zealand, which begins on Friday in Wellington.

Clarke thanked team-mates, family and former colleague Shane Warne for their support during what has been a tough couple of weeks.

"I have spoken to Warney," Clarke said. "I've spoken to a lot of my friends and my family.

“He's been a wonderful friend of mine for a long time and he was excited to see me back in New Zealand and wished me all the best for Friday's Test match."

Although Clarke refused to comment on any aspects of his personal life, he accepted the high level of media interest was part of the job.

"Being a professional athlete, it's not just about what you do on the field; it's about what you do off the field as well," he said.

Clarke, who trained for the first time with the squad yesterday, was back in the nets again today, and is adamant he is in a good frame of mind heading into the first Test.

“Yesterday it was important to get back into the nets and have a good bat and see that red ball,” he added.

“I've seen a lot of the white ball in the Twenty20 and one-day versions of the game of late so it's good to have some practice yesterday and today, and again tomorrow before the Test.”

Clarke said he was also prepared for whatever the crowd threw at him on Friday.

“I'm sure I will get a little bit of stick but I don't mind that,” he said. “No matter where you go around the world every country wants their team to do well and win.

“We’ll wait and see what happens on Friday but I don't think that will affect me too much.”

Nor would any choice comments from members of the opposition overly concern Clarke, who continued: “I've copped a fair bit of sledging in my time, whether it be about stuff on the field or off the field.

“I have the utmost respect for the New Zealand guys and I'm sure they are the same. We'll play it by ear but I don't think it will affect me.”