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Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke - Source: Photosport -
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Australian cricket vice-captain Michael Clarke has broken his silence, saying he understands the intense public interest in his personal life and expects some heckling from the Wellington crowd on Friday.
Clarke fronted a 30-strong media pack at Westpac Stadium on Wednesday in his first public comments since he rushed back to Australia last Tuesday to break off his engagement to model Lara Bingle, causing a media frenzy on both sides of the Tasman.
"Everybody's got their job to do and I certainly understand that, being a professional athlete what you do on and off the field is going to be recognised. I accept that," he said.
Preparing for the first test against New Zealand, starting here at the Basin Reserve on Friday, Clarke admitted he had no idea his private life was such big news.
He refused to answer any questions which were deemed too personal, but was grateful for the support which saw him rejoin his team-mates in Wellington on Monday.
"It was something (returning home) that I thought was very important and needed to be done. My team-mates were fantastic and very supportive, Cricket Australia and my friends and family have been wonderful. That's why I'm back here now."
Clarke said he had prepared well in recent days and was ready to front up in a Test match.
But he expected the Basin Reserve crowd might dine out on his recent dramas.
"I'm sure I'll get a little bit of stick but I don't mind that.
"No matter where you go around the world each country wants to see their team win and do well. We'll wait and see what happens but I don't think it'll affect me too much."
