Usman Khawaja to retire after BGT 2024-25? Ex-Australia captain reveals

Australia Test opener Usman Khawaja is currently 37 and many believe that he is at the twilight of his career. However, former Australia captain Tim Paine reckons that Khawaja has still a lot to give to Australian cricket.

Khawaja will be next seen in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2024-25 where Australia will play five Tests against India. While his opening partner is not confirmed yet, he will be keeping his place at the opening spot.

Also read: Not Rohit Sharma or Virat Kohli: Sanju Samson reveals how this Indian duo transformed his career with phone calls

Tim Paine speaks on Usman Khawaja's retirement

While speaking on the podcast SEN Tassie, Tim Paine backed Usman Khawaja to play for at least another couple of years as he feels he is fit and in good form with the bat.

“From what I’m seeing right now, I think Usman (Khawaja) can play for another year or two at least. I can’t believe we’re even talking about this," Paine said on the podcast.

Paine further called Usman Khawaja the best opening batter in the world over the last two years. He feels that Khawaja should play for another two years unless he gets injured in between. The former wicket-keeper batter feels that age is just a number and Khawaja's reflexes are still good enough to play international cricket.

"If he gets injured, obviously you have to make a call. But someone said the other day, ‘Maybe Usman’s only got another six months or another series in him’ … he’s been nearly the best player in the world, particularly as an opening batter for the last two years,” Paine stated..

“With his age in cricket, in particular as a batter, is just a number. He doesn’t look like he’s lost reflex, his eyes are good and he’s batting as well as he’s ever batted,” he added.

Usman Khawaja's Test numbers

Usman Khawaja has been a solid opener for Australia over the years. The left-hander has proved his worth at the opening spot in various conditions that he has played so far. Khawaja has played 73 Tests for Australia in which he has scored 5451 runs at an average of 45.80 with

He has struck 15 hundreds and 26 fifties during his Test career. Being a good player of both pace and spin, he will have a big role to play in the upcoming Border-Gavaskar Trophy.

Who will be Usman Khawaja's replacement?

Tim Paine also revealed the name of Khawaja's replacement for the future. He feels that young Sam Konstas will be a perfect replacement for Khawaja given he is young and can serve Australian cricket for long.

“The timing for me looks to be lining up that he (Sam Konstas) would be the one who would replace Usman when he decides to call time,” Paine claimed.

Sam Konstas is a 19-year-old talented young batter who has played just 8 first-class matches so far. He is currently fighting it out for the opening spot in Australia's Test team in the Test series against India.