Usman Khawaja’s heartfelt farewell ends one of the most meaningful careers in Australian cricket
For the next 10 minutes he stood by and watched as Labuschagne monopolized the strike. Labuschagne cut Dil to the ground where Jacob Bethell brought down England’s 15th chance of the series; This, if taken, could have ruined Khawaja’s wish for the day, which was simply to win.
Labuschagne, who stole a single to continue the strike, then took the Jacks out of the attack for 16 runs, another of the micro-spins that kept Australia abreast of their target.
England players form a guard of honor for Usman Khawaja.Credit: Getty Images
However, Khawaja will not play any other role. Surprised by Tongue’s bounce around the wicket, he chopped his next ball towards his stumps. There was a moment of shocked silence, but it showed that Khawaja had timed his retirement perfectly as he missed the full delivery in the first over.
A 20-minute innings of six runs doesn’t usually get a standing ovation, but it was the end of one of the most meaningful 15-year careers in Australian cricket.
Khawaja received a handshake from Joe Root, another hug from Labuschagne and a kiss from Alex Carey, who arrived. He pointed his bat and blew a kiss to his family in the stands. He fell to his knees with a prayerful kiss to the SCG grass that had lifted him up, nourished him and rewarded him so often.
Usman Khawaja comforts his wife Rachel and daughters Aisha and Ayla after his Test career ended at the SCG on Thursday.Credit: Getty Images
He later said: “Many times in life we worry about what we want; we always want more. It’s all about what else we have, what else we want.”
While kissing the grass, his thoughts were: “I want to be thankful one last time for what I have been given.”
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Few players are so warmly loved in the international cricket community and few have been able to overcome so many obstacles and boundaries. When he won the match and later re-entered the field, Khawaja received hearty handshakes from all the England players.
He had a long conversation with the referee Raza. Carey had saved him one of the pink stumps in the match. What followed were interviews, celebrations, and the beginning of the rest of his life.
“Thank you,” he said to everyone. It’s mutual.
