Usman Khawaja has announced his retirement from international cricket, the SCG Test, which will be his last summer

Australian cricket will witness an emotional farewell this week Osman Khawaja confirmed that it was the fifth Ash Test against England It will be the last appearance of his international career at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 39-year-old left-hander will bring down the curtains on a remarkable 15-year Test journey at a venue that has fulfilled his professional dream, closing a chapter defined by sustainability, reinvention and historic milestones.

From local dreams to the biggest stage for Usman Khawaja

Khawaja informed his teammates of the decision on Friday morning, opting to walk away after his 88th Test. His career started at the same place in 2011 when he was injured Ricky Ponting opened the door to his debut. The road ahead was one marked by patience and perseverance as Khawaja rallied 6,000 test runs and has established himself as one of Australia’s most reliable top-class batsmen of the modern era.

Reflecting on his journey, Khawaja spoke emotionally about growing up near the SCG and his dream of becoming a Test cricketer while watching his heroes from afar. Formed in humble circumstances, this childhood passion eventually turned into a reality that few could have imagined.

Breaking barriers and redefining identity

Born in Pakistan and raised in Australia, Khawaja made history as the country’s first Pakistani-born and first Muslim Test cricketer. Identified early on by his sound technique and calm demeanor, he progressed through Australia’s under-19s before breaking into the senior side. Throughout her career, Khawaja has embraced her identity, often speaking about representation and pride, and becoming an inspirational figure beyond the boundary ropes.

Khawaja’s international career was not without challenges. After spells in and out of the Test side, he made the decisive move from New South Wales to Queensland in 2012. This change was transformative. He rebuilt his game in domestic cricket, captaining Queensland to and overtaking the Sheffield Shield title in the 2020-21 season. 15,000 first-class runs overall – achievements that pave the way for a strong international comeback.

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Ashes purchase and career peak

The turning point came during the 2021-22 Ashes series, when Khawaja returned to the Test side and celebrated the moment with twin centuries at the SCG. He followed up with productive tours to Pakistan and England, culminating in a standout performance during the 2023 Ashes, finishing as the leading run-scorer as Australia retained the urn. In the same year, he was awarded honorary titles ICC Test Cricketer of the Year and Shane Warne is the best cricketer of the yearand was instrumental in Australia’s World Test Championship victory.

Take a look at Khawaja’s international career

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