Young pup Michael Clarke knows old tricks

BY JONATHAN MILLMOW

The Michael Clarke circus has rolled into town.

Reporters who don't know the difference between a leg break and fine leg are at the practice nets for the first time in their lives.

News had spread via text and email that Clarke would break his silence on the Lara Bingle soapopera at 10.30am after he had had a bat in the Westpac Stadium indoor nets.

He batted at 9am and kept the media waiting until 11am, then fronted 30 journalists from either side of the Tasman, most of whom seemed underwhelmed to be there.

Clarke's team were on the front foot straight away, threatening to call the whole thing off if they deemed the questioning invasive.

"As soon as it starts getting out of control we will walk off, so please be careful how you ask your questions," Clarke's team warned reporters.

Just to enforce the issue, big Merv Hughes – Australia's tour selector cum tour guide – dropped anchor within earshot.

Question: "Michael, Lizzie from Channel 9, how are you?"

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

Question: "Did you ever think there was this much interest in your life?"

Answer: "No, I certainly didn't [laughing]. It's obviously been a very interesting couple of weeks I guess, but it's great to be back in New Zealand with my team-mates and ..."

Question: "You left New Zealand quite suddenly, did you know what you were going to do before you went home?"

Answer: "That is part of my personal life and for me it was about making a decision at the time. I thought I had to go home to do what I had to do."

Question: "Can you tell us what it is like waking up each morning seeing photographers outside your house and following your car?"

Answer: "It's part of what you do."

Question: "Are you still speaking to Lara?"

Answer: "Look, I'm not going to talk to you about my personal life. I'm really sorry."

Question: "Are you worried how the crowd will receive you on Friday?"

Answer: "No, I'm sure I'll get a little bit of stick, but I don't mind that. I'm sure wherever you go around the world, every country wants their team to win and do well, so we'll wait and see what happens on Friday. But I don't think it will affect me."

Question: "Do you expect anything to be said by your New Zealand opponents?"

Answer: "I don't think so, again I don't think it will affect me. I've copped a fair bit of sledging in my time, whether it be about stuff off or on the field. But I have the upmost respect for the New Zealand guys and I'm sure they're the same, so we'll play it by ear."

And that was it – a few half-volleys from the tabloids. On with the cricket now, hopefully.

- © Fairfax NZ News