Usman Khawaja has scored 6,206 Test runs at an average of 43.39, with 16 hundreds
Khawaja Reflects on Retirement and Critiques ‘Racial Stereotypes’
Khawaja has participated in six Ashes series—securing two victories, experiencing two defeats, and achieving two draws. Additionally, he was part of the Australian squad that triumphed in the World Test Championship in 2023. He requires 30 runs in his final Test to surpass Mike Hussey, securing the 14th position on Australia’s all-time run-scorers chart, just behind the legendary Donald Bradman in 13th. Khawaja played his last of 40 one-day internationals in 2019, amassing 1,554 runs at an average of 42. He participated in nine T20 internationals, accumulating 241 runs at an average of 26.77. Currently competing domestically for Queensland, Khawaja will conclude his international career on the pitch where he first represented New South Wales professionally in 2008. He plans to keep playing in domestic competitions. “I refer to myself as the people’s champion, not because I believe everyone loves me, but due to my willingness to address issues that others might avoid discussing,” he stated. Often finding himself frequently entering and exiting the Australian team throughout his Test career, he solidified his position at the top of the order during the last home Ashes series in 2021-22. In the Perth Test, Travis Head was elevated to the opening position in place of Khawaja during the second innings, where Head scored a quickfire century leading Australia to an eight-wicket victory. Khawaja missed the second Test due to a back injury and was expected to be omitted from the third, only to receive a last-minute call-up when Steve Smith fell ill. He scored 82 and 40 in Adelaide, maintaining his spot for the fourth Test. Following the Ashes, Australia will not play another Test until August. “At 25, I made every effort to integrate into the Australian cricket team. I tried to dress like everyone else and went out to clubs even though I didn’t drink,” Khawaja remarked. “I attempted all those things, yet I would still be dropped from the Australian cricket team. I understand that my name isn’t John Smith. When the 50-50 decisions arise, they simply don’t favor me. Why am I trying to emulate everyone else? I wish for the path for the next Usman Khawaja to be smoother, aspiring towards a point, however far in the future, where that Usman Khawaja can be seen as equivalent to John Smith. That’s the message I’ve been advocating all along.” He added, “We’re a significantly more inclusive society than we’ve been in the past, yet there’s still progress to be made as Australian cricket remains predominantly white in many aspects. It may take time, but as long as efforts are being made toward it, one can’t do more than that.”
Published: 2026-01-01 23:52:00
source: www.bbc.com
