Usman Khawaja has made it clear that the talk around his retirement or his place in Australia’s squad for the remainder of the Ashes 2025-26 series against England is not bothering him at all.
As Australia gears up for the third Ashes Test at Adelaide, Usman Khawaja said that he is fully fit and ready, even though he still does not know if he will be picked in the playing XI.
The veteran opener joined the Australian squad at the Adelaide Oval on Saturday, December 13, and confirmed that he is feeling 100 percent fit after recovering from a back issue in Perth. Khawaja revealed that he had a personal discussion with Cricket Australia (CA) CEO Todd Greenberg.
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Usman Khawaja unfazed by retirement talk, ready for third Ashes Test
The Pakistan-origin batter, who is turning 39 on the second day of the third Ashes Test, stressed that he is not worried by calls asking him to retire or step aside. Khawaja, who has so far played 85 Test matches, has no plans to walk away just because of outside opinions.
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He insisted that comments from fans or critics do not affect him. His focus remains on training hard, preparing properly, and approaching every game with the same commitment he had 10 years ago. He remains focused on doing his job and enjoying his cricket.
Usman Khawaja told the media in Adelaide, as quoted by The Age and Cricket Australia’s official website, “It doesn’t really faze me (on retirement calls). As much as people sometimes want to have a crack at me, I love playing for Australia. I’m still very committed; still every game I take the same way as I did 10 years ago—train hard, do everything right.”
Usman Khawaja sends a clear message amid Ashes 2025-26 selection doubts
The recent success of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald as an opening pair has made Usman’s return to the side uncertain. Even so, Khawaja believes that he can still play an important role for the team in the ongoing Ashes 2025-26 against England at home.
The left-hander also made it clear that he is not trying to hold on to his place unfairly. He believes that if the team still values him and wants him around, he is happy to continue.
Khawaja also insisted that he is always aware of the future but is not playing just to extend his career. He wants to compete, enjoy the game, and help the team whenever he gets the chance.
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As long as I’m valued, I’m here: Usman Khawaja
He further explained, “I could’ve retired two years ago; I could’ve retired at any time. But [I’m] still valued by the team, still asked to be here to play, so I’m here. I’m always mindful of the future; I always have been. I’m not here to hang on; I’m just here to enjoy my cricket. As long as I’m valued, I’m here, and I’m doing my job. I just like to compete. I can bat so many different ways.”
Usman Khawaja signed off by saying, “I am the guy who, as much as people sometimes want to have a crack at me, loves playing for Australia, and I’m still very committed. I train hard, and I do everything right. The older I’ve gotten, the more comfortable I’ve gotten with things that I can control and things that I can’t. And I feel really good in terms of being ready to go. The rest of it is not in my control. So, we’ll see what happens.”
