The veteran Australia Nationwide Cricket Crew opening batsman Usman Khawaja has introduced his retirement from worldwide cricket, ending a 15-year-long profession.
Usman Khawaja will play the 88th and final Take a look at match of his profession on the Sydney Cricket Floor and retire following the top of the fifth match of Ashes 2025-26.
Usman Khawaja lastly says goodbye
Khawaja’s retirement has been one of many largest speaking factors within the ongoing Ashes sequence as a number of cricket specialists known as for his retirement regardless of the batter not dropping any hints.
Your every day dose of cricket!
The veteran left-handed batsman grew to become the centre of consideration throughout the first Take a look at when he was unable to open as a result of a again spasm, after which he additionally missed the next Take a look at.
Jake Weatherald sealed a spot on the high order as an opener, and with Travis Head being promoted, Khawaja’s function within the Australian crew was considerably lowered.
Now, he’s set for a conventional Sydney swansong, and he may end up as Australia’s 14th-highest run-getter within the red-ball format if he scores 30 extra runs in his closing recreation.
Up to now, Usman Khawaja has scored 6206 runs in 157 innings at a mean of 43.39, with 16 tons and 28 fifties.
I am a proud Muslim colored boy from Pakistan – Usman Khawaja
Addressing an emotional retirement press convention, Khawaja mentioned that he’s a “proud Muslim colored boy from Pakistan”.
“I am a proud Muslim colored boy from Pakistan who was instructed he would by no means play for the Australian cricket crew – have a look at me now,” Khawaja mentioned throughout a press convention that lasted the perfect a part of an hour.
Additionally Learn: ECB chief at hand Brendon McCullum ‘SACKING’ information after Sydney Take a look at
I did not suppose I would get emotional however I teared up straightaway – Usman Khawaja
Khawaja additional revealed that he instructed about his retirement to the pinnacle coach Andrew McDonald and teammates after fourth Take a look at in Melbourne.
“It has been robust, I’ve simply wished to inform everybody,” he mentioned. I instructed teammates simply then. I did not suppose I would get emotional however I teared up straightaway and I needed to compose myself. I lastly composed myself and bought out what I wished to say.
“I by no means thought I would be the man that will cry when he retired however I cried straightaway. It simply reveals what it means to me. My journey has been completely different to numerous cricketers within the Australian cricket crew. All that emotion constructed up.”
I simply wish to be remembered as a humble cricketer – Usman Khawaja
The veteran opener additional mentioned that he simply needs to be remembered as a humble cricketer, who managed to entertain everybody.
“I simply wish to be remembered as a humble cricketer who went on the market and entertained, and (that) individuals loved watching,” he mentioned
Though Khawaja has introduced his retirement from worldwide cricket, he’ll proceed to play the Huge Bash League (BBL) for the Brisbane Warmth and also will stay out there for Queensland’s Sheffield Protect matches.
“Usman has made an enormous contribution to Australian cricket each by way of his excellent achievements as one among our most trendy and resilient batters since his Take a look at debut 15 years in the past, and off subject, significantly by way of the Usman Khawaja Basis. On behalf of Australian Cricket I want to thank and congratulate Usman for all he has achieved,” Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg acknowledged in an official assertion.
