Sydney is where Khawaja began his first-class career for New South Wales, and also where he made his comeback to the Test side in January 2022 by making a century in each innings against England in that summer’s Ashes series.
Before his return to the team, Khawaja had played 44 Tests and made 2887 runs at 40.66 with eight centuries. Poetically, the SCG Test will be his 44th since returning to the side, in which time he’s made 3319 more runs at 46.09 with another eight centuries.
Khawaja plays with kids at the prime minister’s residence. Credit: Edwina Pickles
Khawaja’s overall tally of 6206 Tests runs at 43.39 currently places him 15th on the all-time list for Australia, 29 runs shy of his friend and mentor Mike Hussey.
Arguably more significant is Khawaja’s role as a pathfinder for south Asian cricketers in Australia, something he will continue to champion in retirement via the Usman Khawaja Foundation.
It always appeared likely that this summer would be Khawaja’s last for Australia, but there remained some room for doubt as Australia’s selectors were still speaking with him about the possibility of stretching his career to one more tour of India in 2027.
However, after missing most of the Perth Test with back spasms and then not being fit in time to play in Brisbane, Khawaja was initially left out of the side for Adelaide in a sign that the order of preference was changing.
Khawaja with his family. Credit: Edwina Pickles
While Khawaja did ultimately play in Adelaide after Steve Smith withdrew with vestibular issues and then retained his spot in Melbourne, it had become clear to the 39-year-old that now was the right time to go.
“Looking at last year, going to Sri Lanka, playing the World Test Championship, I knew this was a big series, how important experience is in big series,” he said.
“History has shown over time how hard it is for young players to come into the team and play big series like this against India or England. It just felt right.
Loading
“Then looking at the schedule, 20 Test matches in a very short timeframe, the first one starts in six-seven months, with my transition I thought it would be a great time for someone else to come in and play some of the lower scrutinised series, find their way in Test cricket then build up towards some big ones [in 2027].”
Though his international career is over, Khawaja will continue to play in the Big Bash League for the Brisbane Heat. He is also likely to feature as a commentator for Fox Cricket, and has previously expressed interest in cricket administration.
The SCG Test starts on Sunday. Australia lead the Ashes series 3-1.
