Usman Khawaja To Retire From International Cricket Post Ashes New Year Test In Sydney

Usman Khawaja Retirement: Australian opening batter Usman Khawaja will end his Test career after the fifth and final Ashes Test, confirmed by the veteran on Friday. In his address to the media, Khawaja stated that he hoped to inspire youngsters who are "different" and that playing for Australia is still possible.

Khawaja, who recently turned 39, stated that the New Year Test in Sydney will be his final appearance as an international Cricketer and would be retiring after his 88th test.

Usman Khawaja's Test Career Stats:

Khawaja made his test debut at the same ground during the last match of the 2010-11 Ashes series. Since then, he has scored 6,206 runs with an average of 43.39, which includes 16 centuries.

ALSO READ: India vs Pakistan Cricket Matches In 2026: All You Need To Know About Complete Match Count, Schedule

"I hope I've inspired many children along the way, particularly those who feel that they are different, those who feel that they don't belong, or those others tell that they will never make it," Khawaja told reporters at a press conference.

"I felt all these things growing up and trying to be an Australian cricketer, but seeing is believing. And I'm here to tell you that you can do whatever you want. Just got to keep trying.

"I'm a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told that he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now. You can do the same."

Khawaja batted for most of his test career at the top of the middle order but lost his spot in the side for the 2021-22 Ashes series to Marnus Labuschagne.

ALSO READ: 'Positive Signs...': Adam Gilchrist Provides Updates On Damien Martyn's Battle With Meningitis

He was, however, called up at the last minute when Travis Head contracted COVID ahead of the Sydney test and revived his career with centuries in both innings.

Inputs from Agency