Usman Khawaja announced that the fifth and final Test in the current Ashes series at the Sydney Cricket Ground will mark the end of his international career.
Australia Test batsman Usman Khawaja has declared that the Sydney Test of the current Ashes series will mark the end of his international career. Khawaja has played 87 Tests to date, accumulating 6,206 runs with an average of 43.39. He boasts 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries, with a personal best score of 232.
“I’ve been contemplating it, not entirely, but for some time,” Khawaja mentioned at the SCG on Friday. “Going into this series, I somewhat sensed in my mind that this would be the final series.”
Khawaja’s family—his spouse Rachel and their two children—was also there during the announcement.
The 39-year-old disclosed that he conversed with Australia head coach Andrew McDonald regarding the potential of extending his Test career to participate in the 2027 tour of India.
A Graceful Goodbye at the SCG: Usman Khawaja Announces Retirement from International Cricket
“I discussed it with Rachel quite a bit, and I understood this was a significant opportunity.” I didn’t completely close the door, as I was aware there was a possibility I could continue playing. “I know (coach) Andrew McDonald even up until the end; when I spoke to him a few days ago, he was still considering ways for me to get to India,” Khawaja stated.
“I’m pleased I can depart on my own terms, with a touch of dignity and leave from the SCG, which I cherish.” However, I believe the beginning of the series was quite a challenging period. Then traveling to Adelaide and not being selected at first for the game, that was likely a signal for me to think, ‘okay, it’s time to move forward,’” he mentioned.
Khawaja, the inaugural Muslim to participate in Test cricket for Australia, also criticized those who suggested he was self-centered for not stepping down sooner.
“I told him (McDonald), ‘if at any point right now, if you want me to step down, I will step down immediately. I have no problem. “I’m not waiting for my own benefit,” Khawaja stated.
“That was the most frustrating part, as I sensed people were targeting me, and I felt they were accusing me of being selfish for not leaving.” However, I wasn’t remaining for my own benefit. Andrew McDonald essentially stated, ‘no, I prefer you to remain. We require your assistance for Sri Lanka and the World Test Championship. I wish for you to remain. “Thus, I proceeded,” he remarked.
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised Khawaja’s impact on Australian cricket.
“Usman has greatly impacted Australian cricket with his remarkable accomplishments as one of our most elegant and tough batters since his Test debut 15 years ago, as well as through his philanthropic efforts, especially via the Usman Khawaja Foundation.” “On behalf of Australian Cricket, I want to express gratitude and congratulations to Usman for all his accomplishments,” stated Greenberg.
Khawaja participated in 40 ODIs and 9 T20Is from 2013 to 2019.