Khawaja Announces Retirement After SCG Ashes Final
Usman Khawaja has confirmed his retirement from international cricket following the Ashes series final at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). At age 39, Khawaja concludes his illustrious Test career with 87 appearances and has amassed 6206 runs, including 16 centuries.
Khawaja’s Retirement Announcement
In an emotional press conference held in the SCG, Khawaja shared his decision with family present. He expressed that he had been contemplating retirement for some time. “Moving into this series, I had a sense it might be my last,” Khawaja remarked. He also mentioned discussions with his wife, Rachel, and coach Andrew McDonald about his future in cricket.
Reflections on Career
- Debut: Final Test against England in the 2010-11 series.
- Resurgence: Scored two centuries in the 2021-22 Ashes after a two-year absence.
- Final Matches: Earned a spot in the last Test due to health issues among teammates.
Khawaja symbolized resilience throughout his career. After facing difficulties with selection, he bounced back superbly with remarkable performances, particularly against Pakistan and South Africa. He averaged 60.48 across 22 Tests from his recall to the conclusion of the recent Ashes series.
Future Plans
Despite retiring from international play, Khawaja aims to continue his cricketing journey in the Big Bash League (BBL) with Brisbane Heat. He also hopes to participate in domestic cricket via the Sheffield Shield for Queensland during the summer.
Legacy in Australian Cricket
Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised Khawaja’s contributions, highlighting his stylish batting and impact off the field through the Usman Khawaja Foundation. Khawaja was notably the first Muslim to represent Australia in Test cricket, taking over from Ricky Ponting due to injury.
Statistical Highlights
| Statistic | Value |
|---|---|
| Test Matches | 87 |
| Total Runs | 6206 |
| Centuries | 16 |
| Age at Retirement | 39 |
Khawaja’s career, marked by highs and lows, ultimately establishes him as one of Australia’s premier batsmen. As the cricketing world prepares for the next Tests, including against Bangladesh in August, the absence of Khawaja will be distinctly felt.
