Veteran Australia opener Usman Khawaja has retired from Test cricket ahead of the upcoming two-match series in Sri Lanka. Khawaja said he remains eager to continue playing as long as he can contribute effectively, adding that he tries not to look too far ahead.

Khawaja last saw action in the five-match Test series against India, where the Pat Cummins-led side recorded a 3-1 victory. The left-handed batsman scored 184 runs at an average of 20.44 and had just a half-century in ten innings. He was dismissed by Jasprit Bumrah six times in nine innings.

There will be a lot of transition – Usman Khawaja

Usman Khawaja admits the inevitable transition in Test cricket over the next three to four years. Carvaja said he wanted to continue playing as long as possible but added that if the selectors felt it was time to resign, he would respect their decision and bow out gracefully.

“There’s going to be a lot of transition over the next three to four years,” Khawaja said.

“I’m happy with it, I still want to play and I want to play for as long as possible. But I also know there might be the right time. It’s like, ‘We feel like the time has come,’ and it’s, ‘You let I know, I can slide out”.

Australia’s line-up for the upcoming two games highlights the team’s preparations for the transitional phase. Among the Xi Jinping players who achieved victory in the India series in Sydney, only the 30-year-old Konstas was the player.

I still want to play the Ashes at least – USMAN KHAWAJA

Usman Khawaja has hesitantly set a specific timetable for retirement but hopes to be part of Australia’s squad for the 2025/26 Ashes against England. Southpaw said he was having a “one summer” where things went better than planned.

“There are definitely these thoughts (to bow in Sydney) and I’m not afraid to talk about it. I’m human,” Khawaja said.

“I still want to at least play the Ashes. I try not to think too far ahead, this is what I imagine. As long as we win and I’m still contributing and my body still feels good, I’ll play for me.

It’s a love-hate relationship-USMAN KHAWAJA

Considering his stellar performance in the 2023 tour of India, the 38-year-old will open the batting for Australia in the series, where he is the highest scorer. Khawaja, who previously faced criticism for his record in Asia, is now more relaxed about cricket’s natural ebb and flow.

“It’s a love-hate relationship (playing on the subcontinent),” he said.

“(But) sometimes you score runs and time doesn’t. You respect your age. Cricket is always up and down. I’m very happy now.”

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