Khawaja Dismisses Retirement Talks, Focuses on Contribution
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Synopsis
Usman Khawaja, the veteran opener for Australia, has expressed that he is not considering retirement from international cricket. He believes he still contributes significantly to the team and will continue to play as long as he feels he is making an impact.
Key Takeaways
- Usman Khawaja is not planning to retire from international cricket.
- He feels he still contributes to the Australian team.
- Khawaja had a challenging performance in the recent Border-Gavaskar Trophy.
- He is in regular communication with selectors and coaches about his role.
- Khawaja will next play in Sri Lanka's Test series.
New Delhi, Jan 16 (NationPress) Australia’s esteemed left-handed opener Usman Khawaja has confirmed that he is not contemplating retirement from international cricket. He stated that he intends to continue playing Tests as long as he feels he is adding value to the team.
Khawaja, who is now 38 years old, had a challenging stint during the 3-1 Border-Gavaskar Trophy victory for Australia, scoring only 184 runs across five matches at an average of 20.44, with a top score of 57.
"I'm approaching it series by series. I still believe I'm making a significant contribution; we are winning matches; we've maintained our position as the world’s number one team for nearly three years now. Our squad is robust, featuring strong bowlers, batsmen, and Alex Carey behind the stumps, so I’m not planning too far ahead; it’s about taking it one series at a time.
"However, I'm also aware that nothing is permanent; eventually, there will be a time to step away from the game, and I acknowledge that. The next generation of players will need to emerge, and I’m conscious of that as well. But currently, there’s not much contemplation about it,” Khawaja shared with SEN Radio.
He also mentioned that he maintains regular dialogue with chief selector George Bailey and head coach Andrew McDonald regarding his role and future in the Test squad. "I’m consistently in touch with the coach and George Bailey; my aim is to contribute and excel for the Australian cricket team. Whenever the time comes for me to step back or consider the next goal, I’ll address that. Right now, I feel it’s not the time, and I’m fully enjoying my cricket and playing for Australia," he added.
Khawaja is set to participate in Australia’s upcoming two-match Test tour of Sri Lanka, starting in Galle on January 29.
