Former England captain Michael Vaughan has publicly suggested that veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja should consider retiring following the conclusion of the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney. At 39 years old, Khawaja has struggled to find his rhythm during the current series, a slump that even led to his temporary exclusion from the lineup during the third Test. While he returned for the fourth match, his overall tally of 153 runs across three games reflects a campaign that has been significantly below his usual high standards.
Michael Vaughan urges Usman Khawaja to retire after Sydney Test
Beyond his individual statistics, Khawaja’s role within the team has shifted dramatically. He has lost his long-standing position at the top of the order to Travis Head, whose explosive partnership with Jake Weatherald has provided Australia with the aggressive starts they desire. Consequently, the veteran was moved to the middle order during the fourth Test, signaling a potential permanent change in the team's tactical direction.
Not many get chance to say goodbye on their own terms: Vaughan on Khawaja
Vaughan emphasised that a player of Khawaja's immense stature deserves the opportunity to exit the sport on his own terms. However, the former captain expressed concern that if Khawaja chooses not to step away after the Sydney Test, he risks being dropped permanently. In that scenario, he might miss the chance to receive the formal farewell game his decorated career warrants.
“Usman has had an incredible career, and not many get the chance to say goodbye on their own terms at their own venue. If he doesn’t do that, he runs the risk of his career ending not on his own terms," Vaughan said as quoted by the Sydney Morning Herald.
"I can’t think of a better way to say goodbye than at his home ground in an Ashes series. If Uzzie has got the energy and capacity to really want to fight on, yeah, I could see that happening, but leaving in Sydney in an Ashes series sounds pretty good to me," Vaughan added.
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