Michael Clarke gave credit to his ex-fiancee Lara Bingle after making an unbeaten hundred on the opening day of the first Test against New Zealand in Wellington.
Clarke's high-profile split with model Bingle has been played out in the media on both sides of the Tasman in recent weeks, but the Australia vice-captain showed any off-field dramas were behind him as he helped his side take charge on day one at the Basin Reserve.
The 28-year-old only rejoined his team-mates at the start of the week after returning to Sydney to sort out his private life and he made a slow start to his 141-ball unbeaten knock when he arrived at the crease with Australia on 115 for three.
He took 45 deliveries to reach nine by tea, 103 balls to make his fifty before stepping up a gear in the final session as he and Marcus North (52 not out) lifted Australia to 316 for four at stumps after Ricky Ponting had won the toss and opted to bat.
"It's a very special feeling anytime you make a hundred but it's been a tough couple of weeks and the support I've had from my family, friends, team-mates ... and Lara as well has been tremendous," said the batsman who ended the day 100 not out.
"Without her and her support I certainly wouldn't have been back over. To my family and friends who have supported me and Lara I thank them very much."
Clarke admitted having got to within touching distance of his 14th Test ton and with the day's overs running out he was determined not to get stuck in the 90s overnight and began to play more expansively.
