Michael Clarke on the brink of ending engagement to Lara Bingle

A distressed-looking Lara Bingle on the balcony of her and Michael Clarke's home at Bondi Beach / The Daily Telegraph

Fans react to Clarke's surprise walkout on Australia's New Zealand tour. Picture: Christine Cornege / New Zealnd Herald

• Cricketer said to be "confused and lost"
• Nude photos tipped him over the edge
• Bingle expects to leave couple's $6m flat

CRICKETER Michael Clarke returned to Sydney to decide if he should call off his two-year engagement to Lara Bingle.

The glamour couple, who have been hit hard by the nude photo scandal engulfing Bingle, are at the crossroads, with The Daily Telegraphreporting that Clarke is "confused and lost" and poised to dump the 22-year-old model.

Clarke flew into Sydney yesterday after he was given indefinite leave from the Australian team's tour of New Zealand and remained holed up with Bingle all day at the couple's $6 million apartment at Bondi Beach.

He is expected to fly back in time for Australia's Test series against the Kiwis next week but wants to resolve his future with Bingle before he returns.

For any cricketer, let alone the Australian vice-captain, to take a mid-tour break is remarkable.

Last night, fashion sources said Bingle confided she was resigned to the likelihood Clarke may ask her to move out.

All Clarke's manager, Chris White, would say was: "Michael has come home to support Lara through this tough time."

Sources close to the Australian vice-captain said he was increasingly distressed and angry about the spotlight on his life, which has intensified since Bingle paired up with celebrity agent Max Markson.

Clarke's decision to fly home only added to media interest that has boomed since The Daily Telegraph published photos of the couple apparently arguing at the SCG recently.

Weekend of misery

The Brendan Fevola nude photo scandal is understood to be the last straw and Bingle's decision to sell her side of the story to Woman's Day for $200,000 is believed to have tipped Clarke over the edge.

The publicity has fuelled speculation about Bingle's private life - including her links to friends John Ibrahim, Taj Burrow and DJ Carl Kennedy.

A weekend of misery prompted Clarke to make the shock decision on Monday night to abandon the New Zealand tour and fly home to sort out his future with Bingle.

It is understood that Australian captain Ricky Ponting and coach Tim Nielsen had no hesitation in allowing Clarke indefinite leave.

The couple did not leave their luxury Bondi apartment all day but Bingle ventured on to the balcony at noon looking dishevelled and upset about the media presence outside.

She gave waiting media the finger before wandering back inside and picking up a set of binoculars to peer out the window.

Former Test cricketer Mark Waugh said Clarke's relationship with Bingle has had an effect on his cricket.

"I'm sure Michael would like to lead a much quieter life, but it's not possible with the arrangement he's got," Waugh told foxsports.com.au.

"I think he's done the right thing. He's going home to fix things up and hopefully he can get back to his normal routine playing cricket."