Usman Khawaja Retirement:  Australia's legendary opening batsman Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday (January 2). He became the first player to do so in 2026. The left-handed batsman stated that the upcoming fifth and final Ashes Test against England will be his last match in international cricket.

Usman Khawaja Retirement: Australia's legendary opening batsman Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket on Friday (January 2). He became the first player to do so in 2026. The left-handed batsman stated that the upcoming fifth and final Ashes Test against England will be his last match in international cricket. The 39-year-old made the announcement at a press conference with his family. The left-handed batsman informed his teammates about his decision on Friday morning.

Will retire after playing 88th Test

Khawaja made his Test debut in 2011, and the Sydney Ashes Test will be his 88th match for Australia in the longest format. He was also part of Australia's World Test Championship (WTC)-winning team in 2023. Khawaja leaves a strong legacy off the field. He is the first Pakistani-born cricketer to play for Australia and the first Muslim cricketer to represent the country. He also appeared in 40 ODIs.

This was Khawaja's international career

Khawaja has scored over 8,000 international runs across all formats. He has scored 16 centuries and 28 half-centuries in 87 Tests, averaging 62.06. He also scored 1,554 runs in 40 ODIs, including two centuries. He also played in nine T20 Internationals, amassing 241 runs and one half-century. He was also named the Men's Test Cricketer of the Year for 2023.

What did Khwaja say?

Khawaja said, "I come here today to announce that I am retiring from all international cricket after the Sydney Test match. God has given me more than I ever imagined through cricket. He has given me memories I will always cherish, friendships that transcend the game, and lessons that have shaped me into who I am today, both on and off the field. But no career belongs to one person. I've obviously had a lot of help. Thank you to my parents for your sacrifices that never made it to the highlight reel."

Khawaja's second innings

Khawaja will conclude his career in his hometown of Sydney, where he made his debut against England in 2011. It was at this very ground that Khawaja revived his Test career at the age of 35, scoring two centuries against England in early 2022 after Travis Head was ruled out due to COVID. Australia leads the ongoing Ashes series 3-1. Khawaja played in the first match of the series, but a back strain prevented him from batting in the second innings, allowing Travis Head to open the innings and ultimately play a match-winning innings. Khawaja subsequently missed the second Test in Brisbane and was set to be dropped from the squad for the third match in Adelaide. However, a last-minute injury to Steve Smith prompted the left-handed batsman to play in the middle order.

PC:Zeenews