Usman Khawaja Reaches 8,000 International Runs Milestone in Ashes Test

Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja has reached a remarkable milestone of 8,000 international runs during the fourth Ashes Test against England at the MCG. Despite facing challenges with age and competition from new players, Khawaja's impressive statistics highlight his enduring talent. This article delves into his career achievements, recent performances in the Ashes series, and the dynamics of the ongoing Test match. Read on to explore more about Khawaja's journey and the unfolding events in the cricketing world.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 26, 2025, 09:08 IST

Khawaja Achieves Milestone

On Friday, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja marked a significant career milestone by surpassing 8,000 international runs. The 39-year-old accomplished this feat during the fourth Ashes Test against England, held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) on Boxing Day. In his innings, Khawaja scored 29 runs off 52 balls, hitting two boundaries before being dismissed by Jamie Smith off a delivery from Gus Atkinson.

Khawaja's Career Overview

Despite a promising start in the Adelaide Test on his 39th birthday, Khawaja struggled to maintain momentum at the MCG. He currently ranks as Australia's 19th all-time leading run-scorer, amassing 8,001 runs across 136 international matches, with an impressive average of 42.55, which includes 18 centuries and 41 half-centuries.

Career Statistics Breakdown

A Look at Khawaja's Career Stats

Khawaja has excelled in Test cricket, accumulating 6,206 runs in 87 matches at an average of 43.70, featuring 16 centuries and 28 fifties, with a highest score of 232. His One Day International (ODI) performance includes 1,554 runs in 40 matches at an average of 42.00, with two centuries and 12 fifties in 39 innings. In T20 Internationals, he has scored 241 runs at an average of 26.77, with a strike rate of 132.41, including one half-century.

Recent Ashes Performance

Recent Form in the Ashes

In the ongoing Ashes series, Khawaja has played three Tests and batted in four innings, scoring a total of 153 runs at an average of 38.25, including one half-century with a top score of 82. His initial performance in Perth was disappointing, where he managed only two runs and dropped a catch due to back issues. After being omitted from the pink-ball Test in Brisbane, he made a strong comeback in Adelaide with scores of 82 and 40, and he still has another innings at Melbourne to enhance his statistics and secure his spot for the final Test in Sydney.

Boxing Day Test Overview

Boxing Day Test: England Dominate Session One

At the conclusion of the first session, Australia found themselves at 72/4, with Usman Khawaja (21*) and Alex Carey (9*) remaining at the crease. England won the toss and chose to bowl first, with Australian openers Travis Head and Jake Weatherald taking to the field. The pair started cautiously against bowlers Gus Atkinson and Brydon Carse, but Head managed to relieve some pressure with two boundaries in one over, including a stylish cover drive.

Head and Weatherald Fall Early

Atkinson provided England with their first breakthrough, dismissing Head for 12 runs off 22 balls, leaving Australia at 27/1. Josh Tongue then struck again, catching Weatherald for 10 runs, which brought Australia down to 31/2.

Tongue Dismantles Middle Order

In a fierce display, Tongue quickly took out Marnus Labuschagne (6) and Steve Smith (5), leaving Australia in a precarious position at 51/4 within just 19.2 overs. The left-handed duo of Alex Carey and Usman Khawaja managed to stabilize the innings for the remainder of the session.

Playing XIs

Australia (Playing XI): Travis Head, Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, Steven Smith(c), Usman Khawaja, Alex Carey(w), Cameron Green, Michael Neser, Mitchell Starc, Jhye Richardson, Scott Boland. England (Playing XI): Zak Crawley, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Ben Stokes(c), Jamie Smith(w), Will Jacks, Gus Atkinson, Brydon Carse, Josh Tongue.