Australia’s long-serving opening batter Usman Khawaja on Friday announced his retirement from international cricket, confirming that the fifth and final Ashes Test against England will be the last match of his career. The 39-year-old left-hander made the announcement during a press conference, accompanied by his family, and informed his teammates earlier in the day.
Khawaja made his Test debut in 2011 and the upcoming Sydney Test will mark his 88th appearance in the longest format for Australia. He was also part of Australia’s World Test Championship-winning squad in 2023, a milestone that capped a remarkable late-career resurgence.
Across formats, Khawaja finishes with over 8,000 international runs, having represented Australia in 87 Tests, 40 ODIs and nine T20Is. He was named the Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year in 2023, reflecting his impact during the latter phase of his career.
Off the field, Khawaja leaves behind a significant legacy. He became the first Pakistan-born cricketer and the first Muslim to represent Australia at the international level, a journey that resonated far beyond cricket.
“I’m here to announce today that I will be retiring from all international cricket after the SCG Test match,” Khawaja said. “Through cricket, God has given me far more than I could have imagined—memories, friendships and lessons that shaped who I am off the field. No career belongs to one person. To my parents, thank you for the sacrifices that never made the highlights reel.”
A career that came full circle at the SCG
Khawaja’s farewell at the Sydney Cricket Ground carries special significance. It was at the SCG that he made his Test debut against England in 2011, and it was also here that his Test career was revitalised in early 2022, when he struck twin centuries against England at the age of 35.
Reflecting on the moment, Khawaja noted the personal connection to the venue, recalling childhood dreams formed while growing up just streets away from the iconic ground.
In the ongoing Ashes series, Australia currently lead 3–1. Khawaja featured in the series opener but was sidelined from batting in the second innings due to a back spasm, with Travis Head stepping in to deliver a decisive performance. He missed the Brisbane Test and was initially set to be dropped for the Adelaide match before a late injury to Steve Smith opened the door for his return in the middle order.
As Khawaja prepares to walk out at the SCG one final time, his career stands as a story of perseverance, reinvention and lasting impact on Australian cricket.
