Michael Clarke and Pip Edwards: Rumoured couple step out in Rose Bay

The close friendship between Michael Clarke and fashion designer Pip Edwards has been a talking point in Sydney’s eastern suburbs for several weeks.

And on Sunday, the pair sparked a flurry of gossip by taking a harbourside stroll around Rose Bay together.

The retired Australian cricket captain, 38, flashed a million-dollar smile as he soaked up the sun with the glamorous P.E Nation founder.

Out and about: The close friendship between Michael Clarke (left) and fashion designer Pip Edwards (right) has been the source of speculation for some weeks. And on Sunday, the pair were spotted taking a stroll around Rose Bay, alongside Sydney Harbour

Meanwhile, Pip looked happy and relaxed as she shared a laughed with Michael, with whom she has been friends for 12 years. 

The pair walked a few feet apart – likely due to coronavirus social distancing rules – as they strolled along the harbour.

But they couldn’t help but drift closer together as they reached the car park. 

In public: The Daily Telegraph described the outing as the two of them 'going public with their budding friendship'

In public: The Daily Telegraph described the outing as the two of them ‘going public with their budding friendship’

Happy chappy: The cricketer beamed, appearing entirely nonplussed and in a good mood

Happy chappy: The cricketer beamed, appearing entirely nonplussed and in a good mood

Walk the walk: The friends kept pace with one another as they skirted the harbour

Walk the walk: The friends kept pace with one another as they skirted the harbour 

They both dressed in stylish activewear, which isn’t surprising given their healthy and active lifestyles. 

Pip, 40, flaunted her toned figure in skintight leggings and white crop top, and tied a black hoodie around her slender waist.

She accessorised with sunglasses, black sneakers and a baseball cap.

Careful: The pair kept a physical distance, walking a few feet apart - likely due to coronavirus social distancing rules - as they made their way across the pavement by the harbour

Careful: The pair kept a physical distance, walking a few feet apart – likely due to coronavirus social distancing rules – as they made their way across the pavement by the harbour

Incognito: Sunglasses covered up Pip's famous face and she appeared makeup-free, while tucking her blonde hair under a black cap

Incognito: Sunglasses covered up Pip’s famous face and she appeared makeup-free, while tucking her blonde hair under a black cap

Matching: A pair of black sneakers completed the sport ensemble, and Pip appeared comfortable as she strolled along

Matching: A pair of black sneakers completed the sport ensemble, and Pip appeared comfortable as she strolled along

Hey guys! The cricket legend could not stop smiling as he waved to passers-by

Hey guys! The cricket legend could not stop smiling as he waved to passers-by 

Meanwhile, Michael showcased his muscular frame in black shorts and a matching T-shirt. 

He stepped out in a pair of white sneakers and, like Pip, concealed his gaze behind sunglasses and a cap.

Michael and Pip aren’t ruling out a future romance, according to friends. 

Back in black: Michael was likewise in an athletic outfit, consisting of black shorts and a tight black shirt worn together

Back in black: Michael was likewise in an athletic outfit, consisting of black shorts and a tight black shirt worn together

Tad closer: It was not until they reached the car park they they walked slightly closer together before leaving the area

Tad closer: It was not until they reached the car park they they walked slightly closer together before leaving the area

A source close to the pair said on Tuesday: ‘They’ve got nothing to hide. They’re really good friends… who knows what will happen in the future?’

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Michael Clarke’s representative for comment.

It comes amid rumours the business partners have been quietly dating since Michael split from his wife, Kyly Clarke, six months ago. 

A source close to the pair said on Tuesday: 'They've got nothing to hide. They're really good friends... who knows what will happen in the future?'

A source close to the pair said on Tuesday: ‘They’ve got nothing to hide. They’re really good friends… who knows what will happen in the future?’

Talk: It comes amid rumours the business partners have been quietly dating since Michael's split from wife Kyly Clarke six months ago

Talk: It comes amid rumours the business partners have been quietly dating since Michael’s split from wife Kyly Clarke six months ago

Pip denied last month that she was dating Michael, after he was seen leaving her home in Bondi Beach. 

She insisted she was just supporting her friend of 12 years ‘through a rough time’.

In February, Michael and Kyly announced they had separated after seven years of marriage.

It’s believed they had actually split in September, but waited five months to share the news publicly. 

Pals: Pip, who is the co-founder of activewear label P.E Nation, denied last month that she was dating Michael, after he was seen leaving her home in Bondi. Pip said she was just supporting her friend of 12 years 'through a rough time'

Pals: Pip, who is the co-founder of activewear label P.E Nation, denied last month that she was dating Michael, after he was seen leaving her home in Bondi. Pip said she was just supporting her friend of 12 years ‘through a rough time’

In a joint statement, the Clarkes said it was an ‘amicable’ decision and ‘the best course’ for their four-year-old daughter, Kelsey Lee.

The news came as a surprise to many, as Kyly had told Daily Mail Australia in January 2019: ‘We’re not, never were and never will be splitting.’

The exes have already agreed terms on their divorce, as well as arrangements to co-parent their daughter. 

Over:  in February, Michael and Kyly, both 38, announced they had separated after seven years of marriage. Pictured together on May 5, 2011 in Sydney

Over:  in February, Michael and Kyly, both 38, announced they had separated after seven years of marriage. Pictured together on May 5, 2011 in Sydney

Statement: Michael and Kyly have already agreed terms on their divorce, as well as arrangements to co-parent their daughter. Pictured with daughter, Kelsey Lee, four

Statement: Michael and Kyly have already agreed terms on their divorce, as well as arrangements to co-parent their daughter. Pictured with daughter, Kelsey Lee, four 

Read more at DailyMail.co.uk