Clarke to miss T20

ABU DHABI: Australia’s stand-in captain Michael Clarke will not play in Thursday’s Twenty20 clash against Pakistan in Dubai. Clarke was chosen to lead Australia in the ongoing five-match one-day series after regular captain Ricky Ponting was rested. “The national selection panel has recommended Clarke be released from the last Twenty20 match to allow him a few additional days for next month’s Twenty20 World Cup followed by the Ashes,” selection panel chairman Andrew Hilditch said. Wicketkeeper Brad Haddin will lead Australia in the Twenty20 game in Dubai on May 7. — AFP

Rooney happy at Utd

LONDON: Wayne Rooney wants to spend the rest of his career at Manchester United and is ready to sign a new contract with the reigning European champions. The Sunday Telegraph quoted Rooney, 23, as saying: “I am happy here and I’d sign a new contract at any time. Rooney moved to Old Trafford from Everton for £26m in 2004 and still has three years remaining on his contract. Rooney is expected to line up when United face Arsenal in the second leg of the Champions League semi-final at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. — AFP