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June 24, 2025

Usman Khawaja shuts down retirement talk ahead of West Indies Tests

Usman Khawaja shuts down retirement talk ahead of West Indies Tests
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Veteran Australian opener Usman Khawaja has firmly dismissed retirement rumours at 38, saying he still has plenty to offer and is keen to serve as both a key batsman and mentor ahead of the upcoming Test series against West Indies.

Speaking at a media session  in Barbados, Khawaja stated, according to A-Sports: “I understand I’m 38 years old, people will always look for an excuse… But I still have a role to play, opening the batting, providing a solid start, and setting up a platform for Australia.”

Despite speculation that his form—particularly against pace—was prompting whispers of a farewell tour after next year’s Ashes, Khawaja emphasised his focus remains firmly on contribution, not conclusion.

Khawaja’s critics often reference his 25.29 average against pace bowlers since January 2024, which is below the global opener average of 27.84. However, he pointed out his strong national-level form, citing top performances in Sheffield Shield and the World Test Championship. When talking to Fox Cricket, he said, “I don’t understand how people say I struggle if I’ve scored so many runs in Shield cricket.”

The three-Test series begins on June 25 in Bridgetown, followed by fixtures in Grenada and Jamaica across July, and will be Khawaja’s last before the 2025 Ashes.

With his debut double-century in Galle and recent Shield hundreds, Khawaja is determined to remain far from retirement, at least while he feels he contributes to the Test team’s success.


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