Usman Khawaja to Address His Test Future Before Final Ashes Test

Khawaja's Upcoming Announcement

Sydney [Australia], January 1: Veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja is poised to clarify his Test cricket future prior to the fifth and final Ashes Test against England in Sydney, as reported by a local media outlet. He is anticipated to hold a press conference to outline his plans.

Khawaja's Recent Performance

The 39-year-old has struggled significantly in Test matches over the last two years, with averages of 25.93 and 36.11. In 2025, he accumulated 614 runs across 18 innings, featuring one half-century and one century.

His sole century came against Sri Lanka during Australia's tour in January-February 2025, where he impressively scored 232 runs in the first innings of the opening Test.

Ashes Series Struggles

In the current Ashes series, Khawaja began as Australia's seasoned opener. However, he was unable to bat in the second innings of the Perth Test due to back spasms. He missed the Brisbane Test and was initially omitted from the Adelaide match, only to be brought back into the lineup at No. 4 due to Steven Smith's illness.

During the fourth Test against England, Khawaja batted in the middle order alongside Travis Head and Jack Weatherald, scoring 29 runs off 52 balls and failing to score in one of his innings.

Throughout the ongoing Ashes series, he has managed to score 153 runs in three matches and five innings, averaging 30.60, with one half-century achieved in Adelaide.

Advice from Michael Vaughan

Recently, former England cricketer Michael Vaughan encouraged Khawaja to take charge of his own future and relish the opportunity to conclude his illustrious career on his own terms at home, as reported by another media source.

Vaughan stated, 'I would advise Usman, don’t let others dictate your path. You should determine your destiny. After such a long career, it’s essential for him to make that choice. Usman has had an extraordinary journey, and few get the chance to bid farewell on their own terms at their home venue.'

He emphasized that retiring at his home ground during an Ashes series would be a fitting conclusion for Khawaja, contingent on his desire and energy to continue playing.

'If he doesn’t take that step, he risks ending his career without having the final say. I can’t think of a more fitting farewell than at his home ground in an Ashes series. If Uzzie has the drive and capability to keep fighting, I can see that happening, but leaving in Sydney during an Ashes series sounds ideal to me,' Vaughan added.