As the fifth and final Ashes Test approaches this Sunday, January 4, all eyes are on Australian veteran Usman Khawaja. Ahead of the series finale, the opening batter is scheduled to address the media, a move that has intensified ongoing speculation regarding his potential retirement from international cricket.
Usman Khawaja to retire after Sydney Test?
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, Khawaja’s press conference is set for 8:15 AM local time on January 3, just prior to the team's training session. This appearance is widely expected to serve as the platform for him to clarify his future in the Test arena after a long and distinguished career.
In the ongoing Ashes series, Usman Khawaja has faced a mix of health challenges and middle-order pressure, totaling 153 runs across five innings at an average of 30.60. His campaign was hampered early on by back spasms, which forced him to sit out the first innings of the Perth opener and the entirety of the Day-Night Test in Brisbane.
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The 39-year-old only returned to the side for the third Test in Adelaide after Steve Smith was sidelined by a sudden bout of vertigo. While Khawaja managed a resilient half-century in that return, his place in the lineup and his long-term future in the Baggy Green have remained major talking points throughout the summer.
With speculation reaching a fever pitch, all attention now turns to Friday morning, when Khawaja is scheduled to address the media. Many expect this press conference at the SCG—the venue of his debut 15 years ago, to finally provide clarity on whether he will continue playing or announce his retirement at the conclusion of the series.
Despite being dropped from the national side seven times throughout his career, Khawaja has remained a cornerstone of Australia’s batting lineup. However, at 39 years old, he has reached a juncture where both age and a recent dip in form have sparked intense speculation about his future. With his 40th birthday approaching in late 2026, many believe the upcoming SCG Test, a venue deeply tied to his roots, will serve as his international farewell.
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Usman Khawaja's topsy-turvy 2025 season
Khawaja’s 2025 campaign perfectly illustrated his fluctuating fortunes. He opened the year with a spectacular double century against Sri Lanka in January, but he struggled to maintain that momentum as the seasons progressed. While he managed a vital fifty during the third Ashes Test in December, his overall tally for the year stood at 614 runs at an average of 36.11. This statistical decline has led many to wonder if his remarkable late-career renaissance is finally nearing its end.
The timing of the final Ashes Test adds another layer of significance to the decision. Following the Sydney match, Australia will not play another Test until their tour of Sri Lanka in August 2026. This eight-month hiatus provides a natural break for the team to transition, leaving fans and selectors curious whether Khawaja will push for one last stint in Asia or choose to bow out in front of a supportive home crowd.
Ultimately, the choice lies between extending a storied career or choosing a fairytale exit. Retiring at the SCG would allow Khawaja to leave the game on his own terms at the very ground where he made his debut 15 years ago. Whether he decides to step away now or continue his fight for a spot, his legacy as one of Australia’s most resilient modern batters is already secure.