February 2, 2025: Australia’s stand-in skipper, Steve Smith, has shown full support for Usman Khawaja, backing the veteran opener to maintain his spot in the Test side for the World Test Championship Final and the upcoming Ashes series. Despite Khawaja recently turning 38 and facing stiff competition from younger players, Smith believes age is no barrier for the in-form opener.
Khawaja’s recent performance against Sri Lanka in Galle has further solidified his position in the team. He scored his maiden double century—232 runs—against Sri Lanka, a knock that moved him into the top five leading run-scorers in the current World Test Championship cycle. Khawaja’s stellar performance has come in conditions typically difficult for the Australian team, particularly against spin-heavy attacks in Asia.
Smith, who is not involved in the selection process, was quick to emphasize that Khawaja is still in excellent form. He mentioned, “He is still batting exceptionally well and age is only a number. He is doing everything right, catching well in the slips, and is a senior figure in the team. He is still batting really well, and as long as he wants to play, I’m happy to have him in the team.”
While Khawaja’s spot is largely secure for the upcoming World Test Championship Final against South Africa, Australia faces a new selection challenge with a packed schedule ahead. The team has numerous talented players vying for spots, including Sam Konstas, Josh Inglis, and Travis Head, who have all shown strong form in recent matches. Inglis, a debutant in the series against Sri Lanka, made a statement with a brilliant 102 runs from 94 balls.
Khawaja’s ability to adapt and perform in various conditions, including his strong showing in the sub-continent, makes him an invaluable asset for Australia. Smith, who had a difficult series against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy where he struggled against Jasprit Bumrah, defended Khawaja’s performances, acknowledging the challenges of batting in Australia’s seam-heavy conditions and facing world-class bowlers like Bumrah.
On the Sri Lanka tour, Australia showed incredible resilience with the bat. The team posted an imposing total of 654/6 declared, with Khawaja’s double-century, Travis Head’s 57, and Smith’s century contributing to a dominant display. Newcomer Josh Inglis also impressed with a well-crafted 102, marking his Test debut in style.
In response, Sri Lanka was dismissed for 165 in the first innings and 247 in the second innings, with Mitchell Starc, Matthew Kuhnemann, and Nathan Lyon wreaking havoc with the ball. Kuhnemann’s five-wicket haul and Lyon’s three wickets helped Australia crush Sri Lanka by an innings and 242 runs, with Khawaja being named Player of the Match for his brilliant double century.
With a solid team performance, Australia’s focus now shifts to the World Test Championship Final in June and the Ashes series, where they will look to maintain their winning form. As for Usman Khawaja, with his remarkable resilience and form, it seems his place in the Test squad remains secure, at least for the foreseeable future.