Clarke leaves New Zealand tour

Shane Bond sends back Michael Clarke in Auckland, in what seems to be the last act of the latter's Chappell-Hadlee series

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Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke has left the tour of New Zealand to return home for personal reasons, Cricket Australia announced today.

Clarke leaves the side on the eve of the third one-day international of the Chappell-Hadlee series in Hamilton.

“Michael is attending to personal, non-cricket matters and we ask on his behalf that his privacy be respected," Cricket Australia general manager of cricket Michael Brown said.

Clarke’s place was filled by Tasmania batsman George Bailey, who was added to the squad for the remainder of the limited-overs series.

National selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said: “George is having an outstanding season in all forms of the game and richly deserves this opportunity to join the Australian squad.

“George is a talented and exciting batsman and we are confident if the opportunity arises he will perform well at international level for Australia.”

It is believed Clarke’s departure relates to an issue with his fiancée Lara Bingle, who has announced she is to sue former boyfriend Brendan Fevola.

Fevola, who plays for Brisbane Lions in the Australian Football League (Aussie Rules), reportedly took a photo of Bingle in the shower without her permission during their relationship, a matter which has now emerged in the media.

Australia and New Zealand are currently locked at 1-1 after two pulsating ODIs, with the third encounter due to take place in Hamilton tomorrow.