Usman Khawaja has reiterated his desire to return to Australia’s Test team, and says he’s even open to a move back into the middle order to make it happen.
The veteran, who turns 39 on Day 2 of the upcoming third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, was ruled out of the second Test at the Gabba due to a back issue that significantly hampered him during the first Test and left him unable to open the batting in either innings.
In his absence, Travis Head moved up the order from his customary No.5 spot and struck a match-winning 69-ball century in Perth, remaining as opener in Brisbane with Josh Inglis replacing Khawaja in the team.
After two years of steadily declining runs following his crucial performance in the 2023 Ashes series, Khawaja’s spot in the team has been the subject of speculation around the cricket world, with many pundits arguing for him to remain out of the team for good.
However, speaking to media in the lead-up to the Adelaide Test, the 38-year old, who declared himself fit and available for selection, said he has left no stone unturned in his bid to return to the XI.
“When you get injured, you have to do more, right? If I wasn’t injured, I could have just gone on Contiki for a week and just chilled,” Khawaja said.
“Obviously hope to play. I don’t really know. I haven’t really had a chat too much with the selectors.
“It’s not my decision. The older I’ve got, the more comfortable I’ve got with things that I can control and things that I can’t. I feel really good, in terms of I’m ready to go.”
Not since Bob Simpson was brought back from retirement due to World Series Cricket in the late 1970s has an Australian played Test cricket beyond 39 years of age, while Khawaja has also made more runs than any other Aussie after turning 35.
He insists he’s not thinking about the end yet.
“If people want to talk about farewell Tests or whatever, that’s got no relevance to me,” he said.
“I could have retired two years ago. I could have retired at any time – but I’m still valued by the team, so I’m here.
“I’m always mindful of the future too; I always have been.
“I’m not here to hang around … I’m just here to enjoy my cricket.
“As long as I’m valued, I’m here. I’m doing my job. And I’ve done quite well over the last few years.”
Usman Khawaja. (Photo by Robert Cianflone/Getty Images)
Following Australia’s eight-wicket win at the Gabba, coach Andrew McDonald flagged that Khawaja’s pathway back into the team may be via the middle order.
Only seven of his 153 Test innings have come outside the top three, having spent the bulk of the first half of his career at No.3 before completing a career renaissance at the top of the order.
He did, however, make twin centuries at No.5 in a triumphant Test return during the 2021/22 Ashes series, having not played at the level for more than two years; and the veteran is prepared to do it again – though he admits it has ‘been a long time’ since he hasn’t been in the top order.
“No issues. I’ve always done really well batting at four or five,” he said.
“Normally people that open aren’t as attuned to No.5 as opening, because they’re not as good at playing spin. But I’ve proven I’m one of the best players of spin in Australia.
“My subcontinent record is one of the best ever for Australia, so that’s never been the issue. I can bat anywhere.”
Australia are set to welcome back captain Pat Cummins from his own back injury from the third Test, which could see Australia retain the Ashes for the fifth consecutive series with a win or draw.
Spinner Nathan Lyon is also expected to return.
The Roarhttps://www.theroar.com.au/2025/12/14/always-done-well-at-four-or-five-khawaja-hits-back-at-retirement-speculation-open-to-middle-order-switch/‘Always done well at four or five’: Khawaja hits back at retirement speculation, open to middle-order switch
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