Australia vice-captain Michael Clarke, speaking publicly for the first time since abruptly quitting the ongoing tour of New Zealand and the subsequent break-up with fiancee Lara Bingle, today hoped the episode will not distract him from the upcoming Test series.

Clarke, who cited personal reasons for abruptly quitting the ODI series and flew back to Sydney to meet Bingle, has defended his decision and said he had also received some timely advice from Australian spin great Shane Warne.