Usman Khawaja to Address Media Ahead of Fifth Ashes Test Amid Retirement Speculations

Khawaja's Press Conference Before Final Ashes Test

New Delhi, Jan 1: In light of ongoing discussions about his future in Test cricket, Australian batsman Usman Khawaja is scheduled to hold a press conference prior to the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG).

As reported by a local news outlet, Khawaja will speak to the media on Friday morning to clarify the rumors surrounding his Test career. The 39-year-old is likely to be included in Australia’s lineup for the final match, although his future in red-ball cricket remains uncertain.

The press event is planned for 8:15 am (local time), and while Cricket Australia has yet to confirm the speakers, it is expected that Khawaja will be present. The timing of the conference has been adjusted to occur before the team's training session on Friday.

Khawaja's performance in the Ashes series has been inconsistent, with scores of 2, 82, 40, 29, and 0. He faced a back injury during the first Test in Perth, which sidelined him for the subsequent match in Brisbane.

Initially, there were expectations that he would be dropped for the third Test in Adelaide; however, he returned to the squad when Steve Smith fell ill on match day. Had Smith been fit, Khawaja would not have played.

Additionally, former Australian captain Michael Clarke has suggested that this might be Khawaja's final Test, encouraging him to retire after the upcoming match. Clarke believes Khawaja has a chance to leave the game on a high note.

"I believe this will be Usman's farewell Test match. His selection for Melbourne indicates they want him for Sydney as well. I hope he finishes with a significant score. It would be wonderful to see him score a century at the SCG and exit the game on a high, as few players get that chance," Clarke shared with Code Sports.