Michael Clarke confirms he's home to support 'distraught' Lara Bingle

Melbourne, March 9 (ANI): Australian cricket team's vice-captain Michael Clarke left the New Zealand tour to support his fiancee Lara Bingle who has been troubled by her recent nude photo scandal," his manager has confirmed.

According to The Punch, Clarke's decision to leave the team camp was made after a discussion with Australian coach Tim Nielsen and captain Ricky Ponting.

The cricketer left so suddenly some of his teammates didn't know he was gone, reports the Courier Mail.

Bingle has been at the centre of controversy since a photo of her taken by ex-boyfriend Brendan Fevola few years ago was published in a magazine last week.

"Michael has come home to support Lara through this tough time." He said there would be no further comment," the cricketer's manager, Chris White, said. (ANI)