Usman Khawaja to retire from international cricket after final Ashes Test in Sydney
Usman Khawaja, the Australian batsman, has announced he will retire from international cricket following the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The 39-year-old confirmed this decision after Australia’s series lead reached 3-1 against England.
Khawaja has played 87 Test matches for Australia and scored 6,206 runs, including 16 centuries and 28 fifties. He will end his career at the SCG, the same ground where he made his Test debut during the 2010-11 Ashes series and where he revived his career with twin centuries in 2022. Speaking about his retirement, Khawaja said cricket gave him memories, friendships, and lessons that shaped his life beyond the field. He expressed gratitude to his parents for their sacrifices and to everyone who supported his journey. Khawaja recalled growing up as a Muslim boy from Pakistan in Sydney and how he faced racial stereotyping and doubts about his commitment, especially during this Ashes series. He criticized the harmful stereotypes he confronted throughout his career and the frustration of still encountering them.
Khawaja described the game as humbling and a test of patience, resilience, and character. He hoped he inspired children who feel different or excluded, sharing that he was once told he would never play for Australia but proved otherwise. As he prepares to walk off the field for the last time, Khawaja said he does so with gratitude and peace.
In recent months, Khawaja’s place in the team faced challenges due to back spasms that caused him to miss the first two Tests of the series. He returned in the third Test after Steve Smith’s withdrawal and performed strongly to keep his spot. His retirement marks him as the second Australian Test player in the last decade to retire while still active in the team, after David Warner.
The final Ashes Test will take place at the SCG, close to Khawaja’s home. He looks forward to ending a distinguished international career at a venue that holds special significance for him.
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