December 31, 2024: Michael Clarke has suggested that the final Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, set to take place at the SCG in Sydney, could be an ideal opportunity for Usman Khawaja to announce his retirement from international cricket. The veteran Australian opener has had a remarkable career but has faced some recent struggles with form, leading Clarke to speculate that the Sydney Test could mark the end of Khawaja’s illustrious journey in the format.
With Australia leading the series 2-1, the final Test at the SCG presents a significant moment for the team, as they aim to win the Border-Gavaskar Trophy for the first time since 2014. However, Clarke believes it could also be a fitting stage for Khawaja, who has been a key figure since his recall to the Test side in 2022. Despite his impressive returns in previous years, Khawaja has struggled with his form in 2024, averaging just 25.93 in nine Tests with only two half-centuries and a best score of 75. In the ongoing Border-Gavaskar Trophy, he has scored only 141 runs at an average of 20.14, highlighting a dip in his usual high standards.
Speaking on the Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke reflected on Khawaja’s exceptional career, stating, “This is Uzzie’s home Test match, the SCG. He has been an amazing player, absolutely amazing player. Come back in, score runs overseas, score runs in Australia. He is 38 years of age, I think it could be a great opportunity for Uzzie to announce his retirement, and Sydney to be his last Test.”
Although Clarke acknowledged that Khawaja would likely prefer to keep playing, he also emphasized that the time might be right for the opening batsman to consider stepping down. Clarke pointed to the upcoming tours to Sri Lanka and the Ashes, noting that these could provide an ideal moment for a new opener to be given an opportunity to establish themselves in the side. “I know he would like to keep playing. His form has not been as good as he would like throughout this series. I know we have got a trip to Sri Lanka, and then we have got the Ashes. There is a lot of cricket in between, but I also think that could be a great opportunity for a new player to come in, open the batting, get some Test match cricket under their belt before the first Ashes Test match,” Clarke said.
Since his return to the Australian Test team in 2022, Khawaja has been in fine form, amassing 2,705 runs in 33 Tests and 62 innings, averaging 49.18. His tally includes seven centuries, 13 fifties, and a highest score of 195* against New Zealand. Despite this strong record, his recent form has raised questions about whether now is the right time for him to step aside and allow a younger player to take on the role.
Khawaja’s legacy in Australian cricket, particularly his comeback after a period of inconsistency, is undeniable. If he were to retire after the SCG Test, it would provide a fitting conclusion to a career that has seen him overcome adversity and consistently contribute to Australia’s success. Whether or not he chooses to retire, however, will depend on his own desires and his assessment of his form and future in the game.
