Sydney, 2 January 2026:
Australia batter Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from Test cricket on Friday, ending a 14-year career highlighted by longevity, consistency and a strong resurgence in its latter stages.
Khawaja played 87 Tests between 2011 and 2025, scoring 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39. He hit 16 centuries and 27 half-centuries, with a highest score of 232 and finished his career with 68 catches in the field.
Khawaja said he had considered retirement for some time but stressed that his decision was driven by cricketing factors rather than a loss of motivation.
“I was still playing well and still motivated,” Khawaja said. “It was never about hanging on for myself. I kept putting myself out there for the team.”
Much of Khawaja’s impact came during the second half of his career, after returning to the Test side in 2021. He said that period brought greater clarity and enjoyment.
“I’ve definitely enjoyed the second half of my career way more than the first,” he said. “I was more mature and understood my game better.”
The left-hander became a key figure at the top of Australia’s order, a role he described as the most demanding in Test cricket.
“Opening is the hardest position in the team,” Khawaja said. “It’s tough physically and mentally and the grind builds over time.”
Khawaja’s final Test century came in January 2025 against Sri Lanka in Galle, where he scored a career-best 232. He said he was satisfied with the timing of his decision.
“I wanted to leave when it felt right for me and for Australian cricket,” he said.
Khawaja said he plans to continue playing short-format cricket, including the Big Bash League.
