Sydney Test a great opportunity for Usman Khawaja to retire: Michael Clarke

In Test cricket, Usman Khawaja had a fantastic year in 2023, scoring 1210 runs at an average of 52.60 in 13 games. But for the top opening batsman in Australia, 2024 has been nothing like that. Khawaja has only scored 415 runs in nine games since his stellar performance in 2023, and his average has dropped significantly to 25.93, which is disappointing given his reputation.

Consequently, discussions about the 38-year-old’s potential retirement have begun among cricketers. Furthermore, with the upcoming series against India culminating in the New Year’s Test at Khawaja’s home ground, the Sydney Cricket Ground in Sydney, former Australian captain Michael Clarke has expressed his opinion that Khawaja should hang up his boots.

The SCG is Uzzie’s home Test match. His skill as a player has been truly remarkable. Return, make runs abroad, make runs in Australia. Uzzie is 38 years old, so I believe this could be a wonderful time for him to announce his retirement. Sydney will be his final Test match, Clarke stated on the Beyond 23 podcast.

He wants to continue playing, I know that. Throughout this series, he has not been in his best form. I am aware that we will be travelling to Sri Lanka and then playing the Ashes. In between, there’s a lot of cricket, but I also believe that may be a fantastic chance for a fresh player to step in, open the batting, and gain some Test match experience before the first Ashes Test match,” he continued.

Usman Khawaja Test career, which has lasted for nearly fifteen years, has been outstanding.

Actually, the left-hander made his debut in the 2010–11 Ashes Sydney Test and has since played in 77 games for the Baggy Greens squad. The Islamabad native has amassed over 5,592 runs at a remarkable 44.38 career average. However, he was the batsman for Australia during the 2023 Ashes, where he scored 496 runs at an average of 49.60 in 10 innings. That was his most notable performance.

After the fifth and final Test match against India, Australia will need to consider their options if the star batsman decides tNathan McSweeneyo retire. When the all-rounder recovers from injury, Cameron Green is anticipated to be paired with either  or Sam Konstas, who currently appear to be in the running for the position.