Khawaja Locked In For Sydney Amid Uncertainty Over His Future

Australia coach Andrew McDonald confirmed that selectors have received no indication from Usman Khawaja about retirement plans and stressed that he will play in Sydney, even while acknowledging that the batting unit still isn't operating at full strength.

McDonald also pointed out that Cameron Green’s recent movement across different positions comes down to the fact that he has yet to secure a permanent role through the weight of runs. He added that Beau Webster will be in consideration for Sydney, and highlighted concerns over Marnus Labuschagne’s drop in scoring intent across the last two Tests.

Khawaja’s future has come into sharper focus given he recently turned 39, and with Australia not scheduled to play another Test until August, when Bangladesh tour.

Khawaja’s Place Remains Secure For Sydney

Khawaja started the series as the first-choice opener, but back spasms in Perth changed that plan. He sat out Brisbane, was initially omitted for Adelaide, then dramatically recalled to bat at No. 4 just minutes before the toss when Steven Smith fell ill.

He responded with scores of 82 and 40, then added 29 in Melbourne on a difficult pitch enough to keep him firmly in the frame.

McDonald stressed that there has been no conversation suggesting retirement:

"We've been really clear that we haven't had a conversation… And there's no indication at my end that he's calling it in Sydney."

He added that Khawaja’s performance level still warrants selection, while noting how difficult it is to plan farewells without knowing a player's timeline.

Green Under Pressure, Webster Waiting

Green skipped an optional training session, while Webster briefly joined the BBL before reuniting with the Test squad. McDonald was clear on why Green keeps shifting roles in the order:

"He fits around others at the moment. He hasn't nailed down the spot."

Green’s scores of 24, 45, 0, 7, 17, and 19 have opened debate on whether Webster could come in. While McDonald acknowledged conditions were tough, and Australia continued to win, he admitted selectors would discuss the batting group overall with WTC points on the line.

He said selectors appreciate having competition: quality depth, pressure, and options.

Labuschagne’s Mindset Under Review

Labuschagne and Jake Weatherald were the only batters to hit nets at the MCG, and McDonald openly recognised the dip in Labuschagne’s strike-rate, contrasting his bright start to the series with his cautious approach in Adelaide and Melbourne.

McDonald explained:

"It's probably when he loses his intent to score that he gets himself in bad positions."

He stressed that it is more about mindset than technique, urging Labuschagne to get “busier” at the crease while maintaining belief in the quality he brings.