Michael Clarke quits New Zealand tour for personal reasons

Melbourne, Mar 8 : Vice-captain of the Australian cricket team, Michael Clarke, is said to have quit the New Zealand tour and is heading back to his Sydney home for personal reasons.

A spokesman said Clarke, 28, left the team hotel in Hamilton on the eve of the third one-day international against the Black Caps and it was not known when he would return, reports the Age.

Clarke’s departure leaves the Australian one-day squad down with just 12 players; paceman Clint McKay and all-rounder Adam Voges are vying for a place in the side with Clarke gone.

According to a spokesman, a replacement player may be called up from Australia for the final two one-day games in Auckland on March 11 and Wellington on March 13.

It’s not known if Clarke will return for the two-Test series starting on March 19.

The Test squad will be named later this week.