Australian batter Usman Khawaja announced that he will retire from international cricket after the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).
The 39‑year‑old confirmed the decision on Friday, bringing the curtain down on a career that began at the same venue during the 2010‑11 Ashes series.
Khawaja has played 87 Tests, scoring 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries. His journey from debut to retirement at the SCG marks a full circle for one of Australia’s most resilient cricketers.
“I’m here to announce today that I’ll be retiring from all international cricket after the SCG Test match,” Khawaja told reporters. “Cricket has given me far more than I ever imagined. It’s given me memories I’ll carry forever, friendships that go well beyond the game, and lessons that shaped who I am off the field.”
Khawaja’s final series has been eventful. He injured his back in the Ashes opener in Perth, missed the second Test, and was initially dropped for the third in Adelaide. However, he earned a dramatic recall after Steve Smith suffered vertigo. Batting at number four instead of his usual opening slot, Khawaja scored 82 and 40, helping Australia clinch the series and retain the urn with an 82‑run victory.
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