The fifth and final Ashes Test between Australia and England is set to begin on January 4 (Sunday). Ahead of the match, Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja is scheduled to address the media amid ongoing speculation regarding his retirement from international cricket.
According to a report from the Sydney Morning Herald, Khawaja will hold a press conference at 8:15 AM Australian time before Australia’s training session on Friday. While it remains uncertain whether the 87-Test veteran will announce his retirement, former Australian captain Michael Clarke has urged him to consider it. Clarke indicated that Khawaja has an opportunity to retire on a high note, particularly after Australia has secured the Ashes series. “I think this will be Usman’s farewell Test match,” Clarke stated. He further emphasized that Khawaja’s selection for both the Melbourne and Sydney Tests shows confidence in his abilities. “Hopefully, he goes out with a big score. I’d love to see Uz make a hundred at the SCG and walk away on a high because not many people get that opportunity,” he added.
Khawaja’s performance in the ongoing Ashes series has been challenging, with two of the four Tests concluding in less than two days. He has managed to accumulate only 153 runs in five innings, with a top score of 82. Khawaja was dropped for the third Test in Adelaide but returned to the team, scoring 82 runs after Steve Smith was ruled out due to illness. All eyes will be on Khawaja during his media engagement on Friday as he discusses his future in cricket.
