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SCG Test his last: Khawaja announces retirement
SEN • January 2nd, 2026 11:03 am
Australia opener Usman Khawaja has revealed that the Sydney Test against England will be his last.
The 39-year-old has played 87 Tests and will finish after his 88th, which comes at the same ground and against the same opposition that he made his debut against in 2011.
Khawaja has 16 Test tons to his name currently, with his average sitting at an impressive 43.39.
The elegant left-hander paid tribute to his family and faith, with both playing a huge part in his cricketing journey as he retires from all forms of international cricket.
"God, through cricket, has given me far more than I could have imagined," Khawaja said this morning at the SCG.
"He's given me memories I'll carry forever, friendships that go well beyond the game, and lessons that shaped me, who I am, off the field.
"The early mornings, the long drives, the belief when the results weren't there.
"Mum, you knew plenty of those, when I used to come disappointed or sad, you always consoled me and I'll never forget that. Dad, you always said that I would play for Australia one day, even though sometimes I didn't believe it myself.
"You taught me values before ambition, you taught me to be humble, always respectful, and treat everyone as equals, no matter what. I hope I repaid the sacrifice in leaving everything behind in Pakistan to come to Australia to give us kids a better life.”
Khawaja had to reinvent himself multiple times throughout his career, starting as a No. 3 for Australia before returning as an opener later in his journey where he enjoyed his best cricket, being named the ICC Men’s Test Cricketer of the Year for 2023.
Given his age, plenty of speculating has surrounded Khawaja’s future since the 2023/24 summer, but the Queensland star revealed he stayed on partly due to coach Andrew McDonald’s wishes in recent tours.
"I felt people were coming for me, saying I was selfish for staying on, but I wasn't staying on for myself," he said.
"Andrew McDonald, not begged, but said: 'No, we want you to stay. We need you for Sri Lanka. I want you to stay on.' And so I did. It was never totally about me.”
Khawaja looks set to play his final Test in the No. 5 position having batted in the middle order across the last two Test matches.
The fifth and final Test between Australia and England begins at the SCG on January 4. Listen to every ball LIVE on SEN - your home of cricket.
