Australia’s selectors are preparing for a possible challenge to test Usman Khawaja’s future, even though the senior batsman has expressed no intention of retiring. While speculation suggests the ongoing Ashes series could be Khawaja’s last in white, especially with the Sydney Test looming, the lack of clarity from the player has prompted the selectors to be prepared to make an independent decision if necessary.
The SCG Test is shaping up to be a symbolic moment for Khawaja, who made his Test debut at the same venue against England 15 years ago. However, Australia coach Andrew McDonald has made it clear that there have been no talks of the 39-year-old calling time in his career as it stands, with Khawaja’s form still justifying his place in the side.
“We’re always having conversations about where the players are and we’re talking directly to the players. There’s no indication from my perspective that he’s calling Sydney,” McDonald said.
“His performance this calendar year has been good enough for him to be selected, so I’d say he’ll be in the marking center in Sydney,” he added.
Khawaja began the Ashes as Australia’s regular opener, a role he has held since his return to the Test set-up in early 2022. A bout of severe back spasms suffered while starting in the Perth Test forced him out of the Brisbane match and prevented him from opening on his return. Since moving to the middle order, Khawaja has continued to contribute solidly, with only Travis Head and Alex Carey scoring more runs for Australia in the series.
“I think Uz will come to us if he leaves, there’s no doubt about that. And after this Test match we’ve got eight months until the next one, so we’ve got a lot of time as a selection group to make up our minds,” McDonald said.
“If there was a series right at the end of this one, then it would be a bit different. But with an eight-month gap as a selection committee, we have plenty of time to think about our next Test team should Uz come through,” he added.
Australia’s next post-Ashes Test assignment will not arrive until August when they tour Bangladesh for a two-match series. The break is followed by a tough run of 13 Tests from October to March, including tours of South Africa and India. With Australia’s top order yet to fully settle despite a 3-1 series lead, Khawaja’s experience and output remain central to selection discussions, whether for one final Test or the journey ahead.
– The end
Issued by:
Debodinna Chakraborty
Published on:
December 29, 2025
