New Australian captain Michael 'Pup' Clarke expressed surprise yesterday at the media attention on his 30th birthday celebrations over the weekend
New Australian captain Michael 'Pup' Clarke expressed surprise yesterday at the media attention on his 30th birthday celebrations over the weekend.
Clarke, who left for Bangladesh in charge of the Australian team for the first time since replacing Ricky Ponting last week, was splashed across weekend newspapers and on television enjoying his big night out. Clarke told a press conference at Sydney Airport he was perplexed as to why his birthday would be in the public interest. "I probably laughed a bit like everyone else to be honest. I certainly didn't expect something like that to make the paper, but it did and that's the way it is I guess," Clarke said.
"For me it was about enjoying my 30th birthday with my father and some close friends and relatives. I hadn't been home for (my birthday) for I think it was five years because I've been on tour a fair bit. I had a great day, it was really enjoyable and for me it's just about getting on with it."
Clarke, who has been questioned over his ability to manage relationships within the Australian team and his variable batting form, said his focus now was on the team's success on the brief tour of Bangladesh this month.
"My focus is here, my focus is on getting to Bangladesh and playing some good cricket and I think the public's focus is pretty similar," he said. "I don't think they want to read about what I do on my birthday."
