Usman Khawaja Set for Final Ashes Test Amid Retirement Speculation

Khawaja's Future Uncertain Ahead of Sydney Test

Andrew McDonald, the head coach of the Australian cricket team, has indicated that selectors have not received any indications from Usman Khawaja regarding his future. However, he confirmed that Khawaja will be part of the squad for the fifth and final Test of the ongoing Ashes series, which is scheduled to commence on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). Australia has already clinched the Ashes urn, leading the five-match series 3-1. Although England managed to avoid a potential 5-0 sweep by winning the Boxing Day Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG), they will face a formidable challenge from Australia in the concluding Test.

Retirement Rumors Surrounding Khawaja

Usman Khawaja's future has been a topic of speculation as he approaches the Sydney Test, particularly since he recently turned 39. With Australia not scheduled to play another Test until Bangladesh visits next August, there are questions about whether he will make a decision regarding his career during the Ashes finale.

Coach McDonald Addresses Speculation

Coach McDonald has refuted any retirement discussions with Khawaja, labeling the speculation as unfounded. He mentioned that Khawaja is currently spending time with his family and has not indicated any plans to retire during the Sydney Test. McDonald stated, "We've been really clear that we haven't had a conversation. The speculation has been from the external. He's with his family at the moment, having a couple of days off. We'll build in Sydney, and we're always having conversations with players about where they are and speaking with them directly. And there's no indication at my end that he's calling it in Sydney."

Khawaja's Performance Justifies Selection

McDonald emphasized that Khawaja's performance throughout the year has warranted his selection for the Sydney Test. He noted the importance of recognizing players upon their retirement but acknowledged the difficulty in doing so until a player's future is confirmed. McDonald remarked, "His performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection, so I'd say he'd be there marking centre in Sydney. Our challenge is if any of our great players retire, you want to acknowledge them. But until that point in time when you're clear on someone's future, it's very difficult."

Khawaja's Recent Form in the Ashes

Khawaja began the Ashes series as Australia's established opener but faced challenges due to back spasms in Perth, which led to him missing the Brisbane Test. Initially omitted for the Adelaide Test, he was recalled to bat at No. 4 due to Steven Smith's illness, scoring 82 and 40 in that match. He retained his position for the Melbourne Test, where he managed to score 29 runs on a difficult pitch in the first innings.