[The Bunyip]

Michael Clarke has abandoned Australia's tour of New Zealand, reportedly as a result of "issues relating to his fiance" Lara Bingle.

Bingle has been dominating the papers in Australia - and in New Zealand too - with news surrounding the leaked nude picture and her ensuing tell-all deal with the same mag that published her tatty-bo-jangles in the first place.

Pup's departure from the tour was so sudden that even some Australian players were unaware of him leaving when asked.

CA's general manager of cricket said: "Michael is attending to personal matters and we ask on his behalf that his privacy be respected."

The managing director of the PR company that handles Pup's affairs was reportedly en route to meet the Aussie vice-captain in New Zealand before returning with Clarke.

It's unclear whether Pup's sudden return is linked to the Brendan Fevola scandal, but the suddenness of the decision is emphasised by his post on Twitter about today's game.

Full story

[jimboa1]

turn ya back on your side, your a dog pup. app bingle sold her story for a neat 200k. what a mole

[hockeyman]

get a life jimboa1

[Sambarino]

good riddance to him. now i wont be bored between overs 20 - 30 in the ODIs where our 'captain to be' may have nudged a few singles to score a mediocre 11 off 26 (ODI G2 vs NZ) or something similar

[bigglebopy]

clarke is awsome guys so shut the hell up!!!!!!!!!!!

[Nicky145]

good for him

[comedey]

why did you give the finger to the camara crew binge

[snow man23]

he should of stayed and can look after bingle later

[mashu304]

fev is just a dick for taking that photo

[comedey]

why did you give the finger to the camara crew bingle