"We want Clarke back as quickly as possible", says Hussey

Wellington, Mar 14(ANI): Australian batsman Mike Hussey has said that he wants team-mate Michael Clarke to return to New Zealand as soon as possible after dealing with his personal issues.

Clarke had earlier quit the five-game Chappell-Hadlee ODI series against New Zealand mid-way and rushed home to Sydney to deal with a nude-photo scandal involving his fiancee, Lara Bingle.

"We haven't really spoken much about it at all. It's pretty much him dealing with his issues off the field. To be honest it's probably none of our business really. We want him back as quickly as possible because he is an integral part of our team and a very fine player," The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Hussey, as saying.

"We want him back and a hundred per cent focused on playing well for Australia. Hopefully he can get through his issues as quickly as possible and we can have him back. But as a group we haven't really spoken about it much at all."

"We've just tried to focus on the job of playing for Australia and we'll let him deal with all his issues off the field," he added.

Clarke is due back in New Zealand on Monday and Hussey said the team would do all in their power to support their vice-captain ahead of the first Test, which starts from March 18.

Australia will resume training on Tuesday for the first Test. (ANI)