Australian Cricket will witness an emotional farewell this week Usman Khawaja confirmed that the fifth ashes test against England This would be the last appearance of his international career at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 39-year-old left-hander will end a remarkable 15-year Test journey at the venue where his professional dream began, closing a chapter defined by resilience, reinvention and historic milestones.
From local dreams to the biggest stage for Usman Khawaja
Khawaja informed his teammates about the decision on Friday morning and decided to step down after his 88th Test. His career started on this very ground in 2011, when he was injured. ricky ponting The door opened for his debut. As the Khwaja moved forward, it was a path marked by patience and perseverance. 6,000 test runs and established himself as one of Australia’s most reliable top-order batsmen 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, formed in modest circumstances, eventually turned into a reality that some people could not have imagined.
Breaking barriers and redefining identity
Born in Pakistan and raised in Australia, Khawaja created history as the country’s first Pakistan-born and first Muslim Test cricketer. Recognized for his good technique and calm nature, he progressed through the Australia under-19 ranks before breaking into the senior team. Throughout his career, Khawaja embraced his identity, often spoke about representation and pride and became an inspirational figure beyond borders.
Khawaja’s international career was not without challenges. After being in and out of the Test team, he made a decisive move from New South Wales to Queensland in 2012. That change proved transformative. He rebuilt his game in domestic cricket, captaining Queensland to a Sheffield Shield title in the 2020–21 season and going on to win the Premier League title. 15,000 first-class runs Overall—achievements that paved the way for a powerful international comeback.
Ashes redemption and career pinnacle
The turning point came during the 2021-22 Ashes series, when Khawaja returned to the Test team and marked the moment with a double century at the SCG. He followed this with impressive tours of Pakistan and England, culminating in a standout performance during the 2023 Ashes, where he finished as the leading run-scorer and Australia retained the vase. In the same year, he was honored as ICC Test Cricketer of the Year And Shane Warne Test Cricketer of the YearAnd played a key role in Australia’s World Test Championship victory.
A look at Khawaja’s international career
| Format | Matchbox | it goes | highest score | average | 100s | 50’s |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| tests | 87 | 6206 | 232 | 43.39 | 16 | 28 |
| ODI | 40 | 1554 | 104 | 42.00 | 2 | 12 |
| t20i | 9 | 241 | 58 | 26.77 | 0 | 1 |
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