Ahead of the upcoming Ashes’ fifth match, Australian head coach Andrew McDonald has given an update on Usman Khawaja‘s Test status. Khawaja’s future has been the subject of much conjecture since Cricket Australia recently hinted at testing other players for the opening Test spot.
McDonald said that he had no inside information on Khawaja’s expected hang-up time. Khawaja has performed well enough in 2025, according to the former international cricket player, to play in the next Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground.
“He’s currently enjoying a few days off with his family. There is no sign on my end that he is calling it in Sydney, and we are constantly discussing the whereabouts of the players.
According to Cricbuzz, McDonald said, “But his performance this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection, so I’d say he’ll be there marking centre in Sydney.”
Additionally, McDonald noted that any long-term decisions on Khawaja may wait because Australia’s next Test assignment will provide the selection committee and team management enough time to decide on the veteran batter’s future.
“I have no doubt that if Uz decides to retire, he will come to us. We have a lot of time as a selection panel to make that choice because the next Test match is in eight months. It would be slightly different if there were a series based directly on this. However, if Uz advances, we have plenty of time as a selection panel to consider our next Test team over the eight-month break,” he continued.
Even though he hasn’t scored yet, Jake Weatherald has earned his place at the top of the order with reliable domestic cricket performances. Additionally, Travis Head has been elevated to the top and has produced positive outcomes for Australia. So far in this series, Khwaja has amassed 153 runs in five innings.
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