Usman Khawaja announces retirement from international cricket, SCG Test to be his final bow

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Australian cricket will witness an emotional farewell this week as Usman Khawaja confirmed that the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground will be the final appearance of his international career. The 39-year-old left-hander will bring the curtains down on a remarkable 15-year Test journey at the venue that launched his professional dream, closing a chapter defined by resilience, reinvention, and historic milestones.

Khawaja informed his teammates of the decision on Friday morning, choosing to step away after his 88th Test. His career began at the same ground in 2011, when an injury to Ricky Ponting opened the door for his debut. What followed was a path marked by patience and perseverance, as Khawaja accumulated over 6,000 Test runs and established himself as one of Australia’s most dependable top-order batters of the modern era.

Reflecting on his journey, Khawaja spoke emotionally about growing up near the SCG and dreaming of becoming a Test cricketer while watching his heroes from afar. That childhood ambition, forged in modest circumstances, eventually turned into a reality few could have imagined.

Born in Pakistan and raised in Australia, Khawaja made history as the country’s first Pakistan-born and first Muslim Test cricketer. Identified early for his sound technique and calm temperament, he progressed through the Australia Under-19 ranks before entering the senior side. Throughout his career, Khawaja embraced his identity, often speaking about representation and pride, and became an inspirational figure beyond the boundary ropes.

Khawaja’s international career was not without its challenges. After periods in and out of the Test side, he made a decisive move from New South Wales to Queensland in 2012. That shift proved transformative. He rebuilt his game in domestic cricket, captained Queensland to the Sheffield Shield title in the 2020–21 season, and surpassed 15,000 first-class runs overall—achievements that paved the way for a powerful international comeback.

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The turning point arrived during the 2021–22 Ashes series, when Khawaja returned to the Test side and marked the moment with twin centuries at the SCG. He followed that up with prolific tours of Pakistan and England, culminating in a standout performance during the 2023 Ashes, where he finished as the leading run-scorer as Australia retained the urn. That same year, he was honoured as ICC Test Cricketer of the Year and Shane Warne Test Cricketer of the Year, and played a vital role in Australia’s World Test Championship triumph.

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