Australian cricketer Brett Lee was last night 'shocked and saddened' and pleaded for privacy after confirming he and wife Liz Kemp had split.
Lee's family rallied around the blond-haired pin-up who has bypassed the Australian team camp in Brisbane this week and the one-day series against Bangladesh in Darwin beginning next week to sort out his personal life.
Lee, 31, and podiatrist Kemp, 31, had been married for two years. The couple have a son, Preston, 20 months.
Close friends of Lee were adamant there was no third person involved in the couple's separation.
It's understood Kemp initiated the split last weekend, leaving one of the most popular players in world cricket stunned.
"He is shocked and saddened. He loved her," a friend said.
"He was 100 per cent committed and loyal to her."
It's understood Kemp has made several trips to her home state of Queensland recently with suggestions she was already planning a new life.
It's believed those close to Lee also had concerns that she had been spending up.
Lee, believed to have bunkered down at his home in the Sydney suburb of Lane Cove, confirmed the split in a statement yesterday.
"We have been caught by surprise as to how quickly our situation has become public," Lee said.
"It is with regret that I confirm media reports are correct and that Liz and I have decided to separate.
"Given the personal nature of the matter I ask that you please respect our privacy as we attempt to deal with this sensitive situation."
Lee and Kemp were married in June 2006 at the NSW country property owned by radio broadcaster Alan Jones.