Media stay in-line during Michael Clarke scrum

Maybe it was big Merv Hughes, sunglasses on, moustache bristling, looming like a bodyguard.

Or the ominous warning from Australia's cricket team media manager Lachy Patterson.

"As soon as it starts getting out of control we will walk off, so please be careful with how you ask a question."

Either way, with Big Merv's forearm within striking distance, and the glare that terrified opening batsmen, no one was stepping out of line.

Cricketing celebrity-of-the-moment Michael Clarke ran the media gauntlet for a tick over six minutes before a gaggle of 29 reporters and photographers - including a curious New Zealand Cricket (NZC) media man wielding a video camera - and lived to tell the tale. After a seemingly hellish week for the Australian vice-captain he was chipper, with a cheery smile and a "thanks, guys" at the end.

It started well for 'Pup', who returned to Wellington to prepare for Friday's first test amid a media frenzy after his split with bikini model fiancee Lara Bingle.

Reporter: "I'm Lizzie from Channel Nine, how are you?"

Clarke: "I'm okay thanks Lizzie, it's obviously great to be here in New Zealand with my team."

There was only one touchy question from the Australian contingent, who had staked out the team's hotel lobby and training for two days for little more than a "no comment".

Reporter: "Are you still speaking to Lara?"

Clarke: "I'm not going to comment on my personal life, I'm very sorry."

An eager Red Badge security man, stationed at a south-easterly post opposite Big Merv, was only called into action once. A photographer strayed from the flock and encroached too far ont o the hallowed Westpac Stadium turf. Security breach! "Stay over there, mate," the errant snapper was ordered.

Otherwise Clarke fended off the volley of questions with his usual polish, without any headline grabbing revelations.

And of course, Warney got a run. Shane Warne, tabloid veteran and drinking buddy of Clarke's on the 2005 New Zealand tour, had been in regular contact in recent days.

"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."

Clarke said his teammates and management were hugely supportive after his week-long dash to Sydney, having suddenly checked out of the team's Hamilton hotel and quit the tour to sort out his relationship.

"I thought I had to go home and do what I had to do."

He said it had been an "interesting" couple of weeks, and was surprised how his personal life was such big news. He also acknowledged the Basin Reserve crowd had been delivered ample fodder - but he was braced for it.

"I'm sure I'll get a little bit of stick but I don't mind that. I've copped a fair bit of sledging in my time, whether it be about stuff on the field or off the field."

And then he was gone. Michael, Lachy, team manager Steve Bernard and Big Merv (here as Australian selector) strode back to training, dodging the flashbulbs. Another media storm doused. Until Clarke trots on to the Basin on Friday.

- NZPA