Michael Clarke on Usman Khawaja: The condition of Australian opener Usman Khawaja is like that of Indian team captain Rohit Sharma. Khawaja’s performance has been poor in 2024 and now he is being advised to retire from Test cricket like Rohit Sharma. Australia’s experienced opening batsman Usman Khawaja had a very good 2023, where he scored 1210 runs in 13 Test matches at an average of 52.60. However, its performance in 2024 was disappointing. He played 9 Tests in 2024 and scored only 415 runs at an average of 25.93. This is the reason why 38 year old Usman Khawaja is now getting suggestions to say goodbye to the Test format.
This is the right time for Khawaja to retire
Former Australia captain Michael Clarke believes that Usman Khawaja should retire after the upcoming Sydney Test against India. Clarke said it would be beneficial for Khawaja to retire from Tests in Sydney as it is his home ground. In this way, Khwaja can have a grand farewell.
What did Michael Clarke say?
Talking about Usman Khawaja, Michael Clarke said, ‘This will be Usman Khawaja’s home Test match (Sydney). He was a great player. Now his age is 38 years. I think this is the best time for Uzi (Usman Khawaja) to retire and now the match in Sydney should be the last Test match of his career. I know he wants to keep playing. His form in the series is not as it should be. I know Australia has to tour Sri Lanka and then play the Ashes series. In the meantime there is a lot of cricket to be played, but I think this is the right time for a new player to come into the team. Before the start of the Ashes series, these players will also get some test match experience.
Usman Khawaja’s cricket career
Born in Islamabad, Pakistan, Usman Khawaja made his Test debut in 2011 against England. In a career spanning 12 years, Khawaja represented Australia in 77 Test matches and scored 5592 runs with 15 centuries and 27 half-centuries. Also, he has scored 1554 runs in 40 ODI matches. Whereas in 9 T20I matches he has scored 241 runs. If Usman Khawaja retires after the Sydney Test, then two names are at the forefront in the race to replace him. Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas are being considered as suitable replacements for Khawaja. Here let us tell you that the fifth and last test between India and Australia will start from January 3.
