Usman Khawaja Reflects on Emotional Farewell After Ashes Victory

Khawaja's Emotional Farewell in the Ashes

Sydney, Australia - January 8: Following Australia's triumph in the five-match Ashes series, which concluded with a 4-1 victory over England, Usman Khawaja shared his emotional experience during his final international appearance at the Sydney Cricket Ground, as reported by a leading sports news outlet.

Khawaja, who announced his retirement prior to the Sydney Test, leaves behind an impressive record of 6,206 runs from 87 Test matches, averaging 43.39. His career includes 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries in Test cricket.

In One Day Internationals (ODIs), he accumulated 1,554 runs across 40 matches, averaging 42, with two centuries and 12 fifties. In T20 Internationals, he scored 241 runs in nine games, including one half-century.

After Australia secured a five-wicket victory in the final Ashes Test, Khawaja expressed his mixed feelings about the match, particularly as he contributed 17 and six runs in his two innings. He admitted that focusing while batting was challenging due to the emotional weight of the occasion.

Khawaja stated, "It means a lot. So much has gone into it. The only thing I wanted was a win, as much as I wanted to hit the winning runs. The whole Test match I found it hard to control my emotions. I found it hard to concentrate in the middle. I’m grateful I’ve had the career I’ve had. I have full gratitude. It definitely got a bit too tight. You never count your chickens. We got the job done though."

Under the leadership of Steve Smith, Australia clinched the Sydney Test, having previously won in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, while England managed a memorable win in Melbourne.

England, batting first, scored 384 runs in 97.3 overs, with Joe Root leading the charge with a score of 160 off 242 balls, marking his second century of the series.

Harry Brook contributed a solid 84 runs from 97 balls, while Jamie Smith added 27 runs. Australia's bowling attack featured Mitchell Starc (2/93), Michael Neser (4/60), Scott Boland (2/85), Cameron Green (1/85), and Marnus Labuschagne (1/14).

In response, Australia amassed 567 runs in 133.5 overs, taking a 183-run lead. Captain Smith scored 138 runs, while Beau Webster added 71. Travis Head was the standout performer with 163 runs off 166 balls.

In England's second innings, Jacob Bethell shone with a remarkable 154 runs off 265 balls. Ben Duckett and Harry Brook each contributed 42 runs, helping England set a target of 160 runs after scoring 342.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc (3/72), Scott Boland (2/46), Michael Neser (1/55), and Beau Webster (3/64) took wickets. During the chase, Head (29), Jake Weatherald (34), and Marnus (37) ensured a successful conclusion to the series.

Josh Tongue had a notable performance for England, taking three wickets (3/42). Starc was awarded Player of the Series for his exceptional bowling, while Travis Head, the series' top run-scorer with over 600 runs, was named Player of the Match.