Sydneyhas declared that, following the fifth and final Ashes Test in Sydney against England, he will retire from international cricket. In 87 Test matches for Australia thus far, he has amassed 6206 runs at an average of 43.39, including 16 hundreds and 28 fifties. In a press conference today, Khawaja confirmed the development. The Sydney Test is scheduled to begin on Sunday, January 4.
"I've been considering it for a while, though not completely.Speaking to the reporters in the SCG press room, Khawaja remarked, "I kind of had an inkling in my head going into this series that this would be the last series." He disclosed that Andrew McDonald, the head coach, was eager for him to participate in the 2027 India tour.
The southpaw, however, claimed that his initial failure to be selected for the Adelaide Test was a sign that it was time for him to give up the game. Notably, Khawaja played in Adelaide despite unexpectedly becoming ill. "I spoke with Rachel [Khawaja's wife] about it quite a bit, and I was aware that this was a significant risk. I knew there was a chance I could play, so I didn't leave the door completely closed. When I told [coach] Andrew McDonald a few days ago, he was still considering how I could travel to India [in 2027]. I know him right up until the very end.
"I'm happy that I can go out at the SCG, where I love, on my own terms and with a little dignity. However, I believe that the beginning of the series was a difficult period. The left-handed hitter continued, "Going into Adelaide and not being selected for the game at first was probably a sign for me today, all right, it's time to move on."
Khawaja says he considered retiring during last summer's Boxing Day Test.Usman Khawaja also disclosed that, throughout his career, including during the India series last summer, he considered retiring. After the Boxing Day Test match against India, he had also discussed his retirement with the head coach. "I told him that I would retire immediately if he wanted me to at any point in the present. I don't have any problems. I'm not clinging to myself.
The thing that irritated me the most was that I felt like people were criticizing me and accusing me of being self-centered for continuing. I wasn't staying on for myself, though.Andrew McDonald essentially said, "No, I want you to stay." For Sri Lanka and the World Test Championship, we need you. I would like you to remain. And so I did," Khawaja continued.
Additionally, Usman Khawaja affirmed that he would play for the Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League (BBL) following his retirement from international competition.
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