Usman Khawaja has remained reticent about his Test future, yet it appears increasingly likely that this week’s New Year’s Ashes Test in Sydney will mark his final appearance in Australian colors. The 39-year-old cricketer, who debuted at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) 15 years ago, faces diminishing returns in the Test arena alongside concerns about his fitness and vulnerability to quality fast bowling.
Khawaja’s potential farewell at the SCG would be a fitting end to a storied career. Having started his domestic career with New South Wales before moving to Queensland in 2012, the SCG holds special significance for him. The venue has been the site of several high-profile farewells, including those of Steve Waugh, Shane Warne, and David Warner, and Khawaja would undoubtedly receive a warm reception from the Sydney crowd.
Khawaja’s Test Revival and Consistency
The announcement comes as Khawaja’s Test career experienced a resurgence during the 2022 New Year’s Test in Sydney. A Covid-19 infection sidelined teammate Travis Head, allowing Khawaja to return to the Test side after a three-year hiatus. He seized the opportunity, scoring twin centuries in a drawn match against England.
Despite being dropped from the national side seven times, Khawaja reinvented himself as an opener in the 2021/22 season, amassing 2290 runs at an average of 58.71 over the next two years. This performance earned him Test Player of the Year honors at the 2023 Australian Cricket Awards, solidifying his status as a reliable and consistent performer.
Challenges and Speculation About the Future
However, recent performances have sparked speculation about Khawaja’s future in the Test side. Batting averages for openers have declined globally, and Khawaja’s average of 27.52 in home matches since last year reflects this trend. His struggles against fast bowling, particularly from around the wicket, have been evident, as seen during the recent Ashes series.
Despite these challenges, Khawaja’s place in the team remained secure due to a lack of alternatives at the top of the order. However, with a wealth of middle-order options available, including Josh Inglis, Beau Webster, Matthew Renshaw, and Nathan McSweeney, the selectors face tough decisions regarding the future composition of the team.
Expert Opinions and Future Prospects
Former Australian fast bowler Brett Lee commented on Khawaja’s potential farewell, stating, “It’d be a special way for him to go out. Home ground, a chance to win 4-1. But we’ll wait and see in a couple of days.” Meanwhile, Australian coach Andrew McDonald emphasized that no decision has been made regarding Khawaja’s future, confirming his selection for the Ashes finale due to his performance this calendar year.
“We haven’t had a conversation, the speculation has been from the external,” McDonald said. “We’re always having conversations about where players are at and speaking directly to the players, but there’s no indication at my end that he’s calling it in Sydney.”
Former opening partner David Warner suggested that Khawaja should consider his ability to contribute to the Test side moving forward, while ex-spinner Kerry O’Keeffe warned of potential backlash if Khawaja doesn’t step aside. O’Keeffe stated, “We are a team in transition. If he says, ‘I’m pushing on,’ then there’s going to be a pile-on. I mean, he’s given great service. He deserves a good farewell.”
The Road Ahead for Khawaja and Australian Cricket
If Khawaja continues playing, his fitness will be tested during a busy ten-month window in which Australia is scheduled to play at least 18 Tests. The selectors must decide whether to respect Khawaja’s wishes or encourage him to retire, with the next Test series against Bangladesh looming on the horizon.
As the oldest Australian Test cricketer in 39 years, Khawaja’s future remains uncertain. Following the New Year’s contest in Sydney, Australia has no Test matches scheduled until August, providing ample time for selectors to deliberate on the team’s future composition.
Khawaja’s career has been marked by resilience and the ability to prove skeptics wrong. As the fifth and final Ashes Test between Australia and England approaches, fans and selectors alike are left wondering if Khawaja will add another chapter to his remarkable Test journey.
