Australia senior batter to face media before the 5th Ashes Test as retirement speculation grows: Report
Usman Khawaja to address media ahead of the fifth Ashes Test at SCG amid retirement rumours. Michael Clarke hints Sydney Test could be his farewell.
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Australian batter Usman Khawaja is set to address the media on Friday morning in Sydney, just ahead of the fifth and final Ashes Test against England, with strong speculation surrounding his Test future. The press conference is scheduled for 8:15 AM local time, shortly before Australia’s training session at the Sydney Cricket Ground, and is expected to focus heavily on the rumours of his potential retirement.
Clarke hints at farewell as retirement talk grows louder
According to the Sydney Morning Herald, the timing of Khawaja’s media interaction has raised eyebrows, especially with the Ashes already secured by Australia. While there has been no official word from the left-hander, the build-up suggests clarity on his Test future could be imminent.
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes the Sydney Test could mark the final chapter of Khawaja’s international career. Clarke feels the veteran has earned the right to step away on his own terms and hopes he can finish on a high at a venue that has brought him immense success. He added that not many cricketers get the opportunity to bow out with a big score in a marquee Ashes Test.
SCG record offers Khawaja hope despite lean Ashes run
The ongoing Ashes series, however, has been a difficult one for batters. Two of the four Tests have ended inside two days, highlighting the challenging conditions. Khawaja has struggled for consistency, scoring 153 runs in five innings, with a top score of 82. He was dropped for the third Test in Adelaide but returned after Steve Smith was ruled out due to illness, producing a gritty knock that underlined his experience.
Despite the lean run, Khawaja’s record at the SCG offers hope. He averages an exceptional 87.50 at the ground, with four centuries, and has dominated England there in the past. As Australia prepare for the series finale starting January 4, all attention will be on Khawaja’s words on Friday, which could signal the end of a distinguished Test career.
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