Usman Khawaja has announced that the fifth and final Test of the Ashes series at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) will mark the end of his illustrious cricket career. The 39-year-old Australian batsman will retire after 88 Tests, with two more opportunities to add to his 16 Test centuries when the series finale begins on Sunday.
Khawaja’s final Test will bring his career full circle, as it coincides with the venue of his debut against England at the SCG during the 2010/11 Ashes. Of the 22 players from that memorable match, only Steve Smith remains active in international cricket.
“God, through cricket, has given me far more than I could have imagined,” Khawaja expressed in an emotional press conference at the SCG on Friday morning. “He’s given me memories I’ll carry forever, friendships that go well beyond the game, and lessons that shaped me, who I am, off the field.”
Reflecting on a Remarkable Journey
Khawaja took a moment to pay tribute to his parents, Tarek and Fauzia, acknowledging their unwavering support and sacrifices that paved the way for his cricket journey from Islamabad to Sydney.
“The early mornings, the long drives, the belief when the results weren’t there,” he said. “Mum, you knew plenty of those, when I used to become disappointed or sad, you always consoled me and I’ll never forget that. Dad, you always said that I would play for Australia one day, even though sometimes I didn’t believe it myself.”
He also thanked his brothers, Nauman and Arsalan, for their role in his training, emphasizing the challenges he faced as a young cricketer.
“You always instilled that my journey would be tougher than the other kids,” Khawaja recalled. “And that if I wanted to make it, I would have to work harder than everyone else, score more runs than the rest, and make sure I don’t give them any excuse not to pick me.”
In a heartfelt tribute, Khawaja expressed gratitude to his wife Rachel and daughters Aisha and Ayla for their support throughout his career.
“This journey has asked more of you than it’s ever asked of me,” he said to his wife. “The missed moments, the long stretches apart, the pressures that come with this life, and taking care of the kids on your own — you carried our family so I could chase my dream, and I’ll always be grateful for that.”
Inspiring Future Generations
Khawaja has been an outspoken advocate on various issues, including the Israel-Gaza conflict, and has faced challenges, including death threats. Despite these obstacles, he hopes to inspire young cricketers, particularly those who feel marginalized.
“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. And you can do the same,” Khawaja declared.
His journey serves as a testament to perseverance and determination, encouraging those who feel they don’t belong to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
A Legacy of Excellence
As Khawaja approaches his final game, his statistics speak volumes about his contribution to Australian cricket. Averaging 43.39 overall and an impressive 48.05 as an opener, he stands alongside greats like Matthew Hayden and Justin Langer.
His career highlights include centuries in diverse conditions across India, England, Sri Lanka, the UAE, and Pakistan, his birthplace, during Australia’s historic tour in 2022.
Despite a leaner period in recent years, Khawaja’s resilience and dedication have remained unwavering. He faced criticism and calls for retirement, which he described as feeling like “attacks” from former players and the media.
“I felt people were coming for me, saying I was selfish for staying on, but I wasn’t staying on for myself,” he explained, crediting coach Andrew McDonald for encouraging him to continue.
The Final Farewell
As Khawaja prepares to walk off the field for the last time, he does so with gratitude and peace.
“As I walk off for the last time, I do so with gratitude and peace, or as we say ‘salam’,” he concluded. “Grateful for the journey, the people, the lessons. Thank you for letting me live my dream and for sharing it with me.”
Usman Khawaja’s retirement marks the end of an era in Australian cricket, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, inspiration, and resilience.
