Michael Vaughan Urges Usman Khawaja to Decide His Future Ahead of Final Ashes Test

In a recent statement, former England captain Michael Vaughan has urged Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja to consider retiring on his own terms as he approaches the final Ashes Test against England. Set to take place on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground, this match could mark a significant moment in Khawaja's career. Despite ongoing discussions about his retirement, no official announcement has been made. Vaughan highlights the importance of concluding a remarkable career at home, allowing Khawaja to decide his future and enjoy a fitting farewell. As the cricketing world watches, the question remains: will Khawaja seize this opportunity?

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 31, 2025, 17:11 IST

Vaughan's Advice to Khawaja

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has encouraged Australia's Usman Khawaja to consider retiring on his own terms as he approaches the fifth and final Ashes Test against England. This match is set to commence on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Although discussions about Khawaja's retirement have intensified recently, he has yet to make any official announcement. Meanwhile, Australia's coach Andrew McDonald stated after the Boxing Day Test at the MCG that there had been no conversations regarding Khawaja's future, dismissing external speculations.

Khawaja's Performance and Career

Khawaja began the Ashes series as a long-standing opener for Australia but missed the opening match in Perth due to back spasms. He was also absent from the Brisbane Test and was initially left out of the Adelaide Test, only to be recalled to bat at number four due to Steven Smith's illness. The 39-year-old has averaged 25.93 and 36.11 over the past two years. In 2025, he scored 614 runs in 18 innings, including one half-century and one century, with his only century coming during Australia's tour of Sri Lanka in January-February 2025, where he scored a remarkable 232 runs in the first innings of the first Test.

A Fitting Farewell

Ahead of the Sydney Test, Vaughan urged Khawaja to take control of his destiny and enjoy the chance to conclude his illustrious career on his home ground. According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Vaughan stated, "I would tell Usman, 'Don't let others decide for you. You should determine your own fate.' When someone has played for such a long time, we should allow them to make their own decisions. Usman's career has been incredible, and very few get the opportunity to bid farewell on their home ground in their own way."

The Ideal Conclusion

Vaughan emphasized that ending his career at home during the Ashes series would be an ideal scenario for the Australian batsman, but it ultimately depends on whether he still possesses the energy and desire to play. He added that failing to do so could mean that Khawaja's career might not conclude on his own terms. "I can't think of a better way to say goodbye than during the Ashes series at home. If Uzi has the energy and capability to fight, then yes, it could happen, but I would love to see him bid farewell in Sydney during the Ashes series."