Usman Khawaja’s Test future remains a major talking point as Australian selectors prepare to make a call on the senior batter.
Khawaja himself has not indicated any plans to retire, and the selectors are also cautious, especially with his recent form in mind.
The Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) holds special significance for Khawaja, as he made his Test debut there against England 15 years ago.
Despite the emotional connection, Australian head coach Andrew McDonald made it clear that there are no immediate retirement plans.
“We’re always having conversations about where players are at and speaking directly with players. There’s no indication at my end that he’s calling it in Sydney,” McDonald said.
McDonald also backed Khawaja’s place in the side, adding, “His performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection, so I’d say he’ll be there marking centre in Sydney.”
Khawaja began the Ashes 2025 as Australia’s regular opener but missed the Brisbane Test due to severe back spasms. After returning from injury, he moved to the middle order and continued to score important runs for the team. He finished the series with 153 runs in five innings at an average of 30.60.
McDonald explained that the selectors are in no rush to make a decision regarding Khawaja’s future.
“I think Uz will come to us if he’s going to retire, there’s no doubt about that,” he said.
He also pointed to the long break after the Ashes, saying, “If there was a series straight off the back of this, then it would be a little bit different. But with the eight-month gap, as a selection panel, we’ve got a lot of time to think about our next Test team should Uz push forward.”
Khawaja has been one of Australia’s most consistent batters in Test cricket. He has scored 6,206 runs in 157 innings at an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries.
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