Michael Hussey warns Kiwis not to target Michael Clarke on Lara Bingle

Australian middle-order batsman Mike Hussey believes that team vice-captain Michael Clarke possesses the mental strength to keep his latest off-field developments aside and perform for the Australians in the upcoming Test series against New Zealand.

He, however, has warned both the New Zealand players and crowd not to stoop to an unacceptable low by baiting Clarke about his relationship dramas when the first Test begins at the Basin Reserve on Friday.

New Zealand crowds are known to take great delight in pouncing on any perceived shortcomings in the Australian players.

''I'd hope it doesn't come up - that would be a bit below the belt,'' stuff.co.nz quoted Hussey, as saying.

''It's a personal issue and it's probably going a little bit too far if they do mention anything about that.I don't know if it will, we'll have to wait and see. He's such a mentally tough person. One, to deal with the situation he's got at the moment,” Hussey added.

Clarke has been subjected to non-stop media attention in Sydney this morning and in Wellington this afternoon.