Australian batsman to retire from international cricket after Sydney Ashes Test
Sydney is where Khawaja began his first-class career with New South Wales and is also where he made his return to the Test side in January 2022, scoring a century in each innings against England in that summer’s Ashes series.
Before returning to the team, Khawaja had played 44 Tests and scored 2887 runs at 40.66 with eight centuries. Poetically speaking, the SCG Test will be his 44th since his return to the team, during which time he has scored a further 3319 runs at 46.09 and made eight more centuries.
Khawaja plays with children at the prime minister’s residence. Credit: Edwina Pickle
Khawaja’s total score from 6206 Tests is 43.39, which currently places him 15th on the Australian all-time list; He trails his friend and mentor Mike Hussey by 29 points.
Arguably more important is Khawaja’s role in finding pathways for South Asian cricketers in Australia, a role he will continue to support through his Usman Khawaja Foundation in retirement.
It always seemed likely that this summer would be Khawaja’s last in Australia, but there was room for doubt as Australia’s selectors are still talking to him about the possibility of extending his career to another tour of India in 2027.
But Khawaja, who missed most of the Perth Test with a back spasm and subsequently had no time to play in Brisbane, was initially left on the sidelines for Adelaide in a sign that the order of preference had changed.
Khawaja with his family. Credit: Edwina Pickle
Although Khawaja played in Adelaide after Steve Smith withdrew due to vestibular issues and subsequently retained his place in Melbourne, it was clear now was the right time for the 39-year-old to go.
“Looking back at last year, when I went to Sri Lanka, when I played in the World Test Championship, I knew it was a big series, how important experience is in big series,” he said.
“History has shown over time how difficult it is for young players to come into the team and play in big series like this against India or England. It felt right.
Loading
“Then when I looked at the schedule, there are 20 Test matches in a very short period of time, the first one starts in six-seven months, I thought with my transition it would be a great time for someone else to come in and play some of the less reviewed series, find their way into Test cricket and then progress towards some of the big series. [in 2027].”
Although his international career is over, Khawaja will continue to play in the Big Bash League for the Brisbane Heat. He is also likely to appear as a commentator on Fox Cricket and has previously expressed interest in cricket management.
SCG Test starts on Sunday. Australia leads the Ashes series 3-1.
