Usman Khawaja's future with the Australian cricket team is uncertain as he approaches the end of his remarkable career. With a decline in recent performance and the emergence of younger players, the final Ashes Test next summer may be his last hurrah.
There are few sights as endearing in world cricket as the sight of Usman Khawaja in full flight. The elegant clips off his pads, the seamless pull shots, the jovial Running Man dance as he celebrates a hard fought century – you can’t help but smile. Few opportunities will remain for fans to witness these moments, as the 38-year-old approaches the end of his remarkable renaissance and reportedly flags the final Ashes Test next summer as the scene of his last hurrah.
Khawaja seemed invincible upon returning to the side at the start of 2022, after dominating the interstate arena for Queensland.For two years, he forged a lethal opening combination with David Warner – one in which he averaged 60 across 24 Tests. However, the dawning of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy coincided with a major decline in the numbers which made him immovable. In his past 20 innings, he has scored just 458 runs at 25.44. A two-Test series in Sri Lanka, beginning on January 29, and the World Test Championship final against South Africa loom as Khawaja’s chance to prove he can help Australia retain the Ashes.But the willingness of the selectors to pick spin specialist batsmen on the subcontinent could dent that hope. Sam Konstas’s rise and Travis Head’s success opening the batting in India may trigger some tinkering, should typical Asia tourists Peter Handscomb and Glenn Maxwell garner reprieves.The 19-year-old’s fearlessness has been lauded, particularly in the face of Jasprit Bumrah.Khawaja, one of the calmest heads in cricket, shapes as the perfect mentor for Konstas – a seasoned campaigner who can help ensure controlled aggression replaces recklessness., with Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith following in quick succession on a Sydney wicket causing chaos. Khawaja did that, his chanceless 41 until his wicket fell laying the platform for Head and Beau Webster to race home. And Australia captain Pat Cummins said there would be no rushing from him, nor the selectors, for Khawaja to move o
SPORTS AUSTRALIA Usman Khawaja Ashes Test Retirement Australian Cricket Team Sam Konstas Travis Head
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