WEB DESK: Australia’s head coach and selector Andrew McDonald confirmed Usman Khawaja will play in the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground, despite speculation it might be his final match.
At 39, Khawaja is the oldest in an ageing squad, and his place has been questioned following a batting order reshuffle. After opening in the first two Tests, he moved to No. 4 in Adelaide and No. 5 in Melbourne as Travis Head took his spot at the top.
Though media reports hint at retirement, McDonald stated there’s been no discussion with Khawaja about his future. He emphasized that Khawaja’s performance this year justifies his selection.
Khawaja has left any future plans undisclosed, spending time with family in Queensland before the January 4 Test. Despite back spasms forcing him out of two Tests earlier in the series, he played three matches, averaging 30. Notable performances include a top score of 82 in Adelaide, although his last outing in Melbourne saw him dismissed for 29 and 0 in a rare Australian defeat.
Critics questioned his second-innings dismissal in Melbourne, but his overall series stats surpass some teammates, including Jake Weatherald, Marnus Labuschagne, and Cameron Green.
On the bowling side, Australia will remain without injured stars Pat Cummins, Josh Hazlewood, and Nathan Lyon for Sydney. Lyon is sidelined indefinitely following hamstring surgery after the third Test. Hazlewood is recovering from hamstring and Achilles injuries and targets a return for the T20 World Cup beginning February 7.
McDonald confirmed Cummins is part of the 15-man squad for the World Cup co-hosted by India and Sri Lanka but awaits a lower back scan in four weeks to determine participation.
