Speculation around Usman Khawaja’s Test future has surfaced ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, but Australia head coach Andrew McDonald has played down any retirement talk involving the senior opener.
Speaking to the media, McDonald clarified that there has been no indication from Khawaja regarding retirement after the Sydney Test. “He’s with his family at the moment having a couple of days off. We’re always having conversations about where players are at, but there’s no indication at my end that he’s calling it in Sydney,” McDonald said.
The coach added that Khawaja’s performances throughout the calendar year have been strong enough to justify his selection, suggesting the left-hander is expected to open the batting at the SCG. “His performance this year has been good enough to warrant selection, so I’d say he’ll be there marking centre in Sydney,” McDonald noted.
Australia do not play another Test match until August, when they host Bangladesh, followed by a busy stretch including tours of South Africa and India, and a home series against New Zealand. McDonald said this extended gap gives selectors ample time to assess long-term plans, should Khawaja’s future come into question later.
“I think Uz will come to us if he’s going to retire. After this Test, we’ve got eight months until the next one, so there’s a lot of time for those decisions,” McDonald explained.
Khawaja, 39, has strong ties to Sydney, having spent much of his life there despite representing Queensland. McDonald acknowledged that Australia would want to properly recognise any senior player who chooses to retire, referencing how David Warner received multiple SCG send-offs in recent years.
For now, however, Australia’s head coach has made it clear that Usman Khawaja is not retiring from Test cricket, and all focus remains on the Sydney Ashes Test.
