Celebrity couple Michael Clarke and Lara Bingle are in crisis talks over the fate of their relationship. The Australian cricket vice-captain flew out of New Zealand to meet up with his fiancée after being allowed an indefinite leave of absence from the game. In an almost unprecedented move Clarke walked away from his team-mates just before the third one day international against the Kiwis.

The pair spent a day together at their apartment near Bondi Beach. At one point Bingle came onto the balcony looking distressed and treated that waiting media to the finger. According to sources in the fashion industry Bingle has been trying to prepare herself for Clarke’s announcement that the relationship is over.

Michael Clarke has found himself under increasing pressure following the publication of a nude photograph of Bingle taken by former lover Brendan Fevola in the magazine Woman’s Day. That same magazine has now published an interview with Bingle for which she was allegedly paid $200,000. All of this seems to be taking its toll on the cricketer.

Chris White, Clarke’s manager has shed little light on the situation saying only that Clarke has returned home to help his fiancé through a difficult period. Mark Waugh, a former test cricketer said that the media interest in the couple’s life is beginning to affect Clarke’s ability to play cricket. He said that he was sure Clarke would prefer it if the spotlight was taken off him so that he could get back to concentrating on his game.