Australian Test stalwart Usman Khawaja has confirmed he will bring his distinguished international career to an end, announcing his retirement following the final Ashes Test in Sydney next week.
A Sydney Farewell for a Career Bookended at the SCG
In an emotional press conference held in Sydney on Friday morning, the 39-year-old batter ended months of speculation by declaring the upcoming match against England would be his last. This decision brings his Test tally to 88 caps, placing him as Australia's 15th highest run-scorer in history with 6206 runs.
The setting for his farewell is profoundly fitting. Khawaja made his Test debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) in 2011 against England. Furthermore, he scored his maiden Ashes century at the same venue—a magnificent 171 in 2018. Most notably, it was at the SCG in 2022 where he staged a stunning career revival, hitting twin centuries against England after a long absence from the side.
From Islamabad to Australian Great: A Journey of Resilience
Khawaja, who moved to Sydney from Islamabad as a young child, reflected on the lessons cricket had taught him. "This game humbles you. It tests your patience, your resilience and character, and if you are lucky, it teaches you gratitude," he stated.
He also spoke of his hope to have inspired future generations. "I hope I have inspired children along the way. Particularly those who are different, those that feel that they don't belong... Seeing is believing, and I am here to tell you that you can do whatever you want. You just gotta keep trying," Khawaja added.
His late-career resurgence, forming a dominant opening partnership with childhood friend David Warner, was extraordinary. After returning to the side at age 35, he struck seven centuries in two years, finishing with 16 Test hundreds and an average of 43.39.
Transition for Australian Cricket and a Final Send-Off
Khawaja's position had faced scrutiny this summer after injury troubles, but a crucial 82 in Adelaide secured his spot. His retirement, coming so soon after David Warner's, marks a significant period of transition for the Australian Test team's top order.
At 39, he will become Australia's oldest Test player in 40 years when he takes the field in Sydney. With the Ashes series already decided in Australia's favour at 3-1, the final Test will serve as a celebratory send-off for one of the country's most respected and successful openers.
The Australian team will now aim to secure a series victory of 4-1, providing a fitting finale for Khawaja's remarkable 13-year Test career when play begins on Sunday.
