The 39-year-old confirmed his decision in a forthright press conference on Friday, flanked by his family, after informing teammates earlier in the day. With Australia holding an unassailable 3–1 lead in the series, Khawaja said Sydney was the fitting place to step away — the same venue where he made his Test debut in 2011, also against England.

Khawaja’s future had been a persistent talking point throughout the Ashes, particularly after back spasms disrupted his early involvement in the series. Media scrutiny intensified around his preparation, including criticism of his participation in a golf event shortly before the injury.

In an emotional address, Khawaja said the criticism went beyond cricket and reflected racial stereotypes he has faced throughout his life.

“I’ve always felt a little bit different, even to now,” Khawaja said. “I’m a coloured cricketer. I’ve felt different in the way I’ve been treated and the way things have happened. When I talk about issues outside cricket, I know it leaves me exposed.”

He added that the reaction to his injury was particularly hurtful. “When others get injured, people feel sorry for them. When I got injured, my credibility was questioned. It became personal – about my commitment and who I am. Those are stereotypes I’ve grown up with, and I thought we’d moved past that.”

Born in Pakistan, Khawaja became the first Muslim cricketer to represent Australia and carved out a unique place in the national side. His career was far from straightforward, featuring early selection setbacks before a successful reinvention as a Test opener and senior leader. He played a key role in Australia’s World Test Championship triumph in 2023 and has been a respected voice in the dressing room.

During the current Ashes series, Khawaja returned to the XI after Steve Smith was sidelined, scoring 82 in Melbourne to secure his place amid ongoing debate about his longevity. He scored 614 runs in 2025, including a career-defining 232 against Sri Lanka earlier this year.

Khawaja will retire having played 87 Tests, 40 ODIs and nine T20Is, scoring 8,001 international runs. He said he hopes his journey helps pave the way for future generations.

“I want the journey for the next Usman Khawaja to be different,” he said. His final appearance will come next week at the SCG, where Australia will farewell one of its most distinctive and influential modern cricketers.

A hometown Test match for Usman Khawaja’s last ride as an international cricketer

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— ICC (@ICC) January 2, 2026

Century in Just 69 Balls – Head Steals the Show

Opening for Australia, Travis Head applied pressure on the English bowlers from the very beginning. He completed his century in just 69 balls, smashing 16 fours and 4 sixes. Eventually dismissed for 123, Head was not only content with the century but also claimed multiple records in the process.

Five Major Records by Travis Head

Third-Fastest Century by an Australian

Head’s 69-ball century makes him the third-fastest Australian batsman to reach three figures. Before him, Adam Gilchrist scored a 57-ball century (2006, England) and Jack Gregory a 67-ball century (1921, South Africa).

Fastest Century in a Fourth Innings

Batting in the fourth innings of a Test is always challenging. Yet Head made it look easy, achieving the fastest century in a fourth innings in history.

First Opener to Hit 4 Sixes in an Ashes Innings

Head now holds the record for hitting four sixes in a single innings as an opener in Ashes history, showcasing his dominance over England’s pace attack.

Matching Steve Smith’s Record

With this innings, Head has now scored 14 centuries in 143 innings, putting him on par with Steve Smith, who made 14 centuries in 160 innings.

Highest Strike Rate While Chasing in a Test

Head’s strike rate during the chase was 148.19, breaking the previous record held by Johnny Bairstow (147.82, New Zealand 2022).