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Michael Clarke shuns media at the airport - Source: Getty -
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Michael Clarke endured a day of drama on Tuesday, but really it was just another day in the life of a Test cricketer, Australian coach Tim Nielsen says.
"This is no different to any other day," Nielsen told reporters at the team hotel in Wellington, flanked by a security officer, as TV crews spent the morning waiting in the foyer for any Clarke sightings.
"It's all part and parcel of being an international cricketer. Every day of the week there is something going on.
"It's just that most of the time you guys don't know about it.
"We'll deal with the distractions and move on and that's life.
"We play a high-profile sport, we're the only national sport in Australia, really.
"It's the hard part about living on the road. It's the hard part about living a life that's quite public."
Clarke's media frenzy began when he left the country a week ago with three games remaining in the one-day international series.
He rushed home to Sydney to sort out his relationship with his bikini-model fiancee, who was attempting to deal with a nude-photo scandal.
Clarke announced last Friday the celebrity couple's engagement was off .
The Australian vice-captain returned to Wellington on Monday and trained with the team at the Basin Reserve on Tuesday.
The 14-man squad will have two more hit-outs before Friday's first Test, with attention eventually turning to the actual make-up of the side. Youngster Steve Smith is pushing for a debut in place of No.6 batsman Marcus North, while pacemen Ryan Harris and Clint McKay are in line for the vacant spot left by injured quick Peter Siddle.
Meanwhile Clarke appears relaxed, but is still yet to speak to the media.
"Great to back with the boys. Just home from a big training session," Clarke said on his Twitter site.
"Thanks to all my followers for your support."
Nielsen said Clarke's challenge was to cope with "external influences".
"Deal with things and still perform. That's the nature of the beast," Nielsen said.
Nielsen said he expected Clarke would be sledged by the Kiwi players.
"I think you could imagine that there's a bit of banter that goes on, on the ground in every Test," Nielsen said.
