Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes that Usman Khawaja should be given the freedom to decide when to retire from Test cricket. Speaking ahead of the final Ashes match between Australia and England, Vaughan said the veteran opening batsman has earned the right to control his future.
There is speculation that Khawaja’s upcoming Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground could be his last Test for Australia. The experienced player, who turned 39 during the Ashes series, has looked comfortable since moving into the middle order. However, Australia’s selectors are keen to resurrect an old Test team.
Amidst his recent form, speculation has intensified regarding the future of Usman Khawaja.
In recent weeks, the discussion regarding the future of Usman Khawaja has intensified, but the batsman himself has not said anything about retirement. Australia coach Andrew McDonald also said that there has been no discussion with Khawaja regarding his future.
Khawaja began the Ashes series as Australia’s regular opening batsman, but his role changed after suffering back spasms in Perth. He missed the Brisbane Test and was expected to miss the next Test in Adelaide. He returned to the team later in the match, batting at number 4, after Steven Smith fell ill.
The 39-year-old player has averaged 25.93 and 36.11 in the last two seasons. In 2025, he scored 614 runs in 18 innings with the help of one century and one half-century. His only century this year came against Sri Lanka, when he scored a big double century in the first tour.
You decide your destiny – Michael Vaughan on Usman Khawaja’s retirement
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed Usman Khawaja’s future to be decided before the Sydney Ashes Test. With the final Ashes Test set to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Vaughan believes Khawaja should enjoy the moment and not let external pressure cloud his decision.
Vaughan was quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald as saying, “I would say to Usman, ‘Don’t let them make the decisions. You decide your own destiny. When someone has been playing for so long, we have to let them make the decisions. Usman has had an incredible career and not many people get the chance to say goodbye in his place on his own terms.’
I can’t think of a better way to say goodbye… – Michael Vaughn
Michael Vaughan feels Usman Khawaja has a rare chance to end his career on his home ground. Vaughan said it would be an ideal farewell unless Khawaja believes he still has the motivation to carry on from the series.
Vaughan said, “If he doesn’t do that, he risks his career ending on his own terms. I can’t think of a better way to say goodbye than on my home ground in an Ashes series. If Uzi really has the energy and ability to fight, then yes, I can see it happening, but leaving Sydney in an Ashes series feels too good for me.”
Also read: Usman Khawaja breaks silence on retirement after the final Ashes Test in Sydney
