Usman Khawaja told to retire from international cricket in the middle of BGT 2024-25

Former Australian pacer Brendon Julian said that veteran opener Usman Khawaja should retire from Test cricket after the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 series. Brendon Julian expressed doubts about the left-handed batter making it to Australia's squad for the Ashes 2025-26 series at home.

Khawaja is currently part of the Australia squad for the ongoing five-match Test series against India. The opening batter scored 34 runs in the first two matches at a dismal average of 11.33, with a high score of 13. He last scored a fifty during the pink-ball Test against the West Indies earlier this year.

Usman Khawaja Should Retire After Border-Gavaskar Series - Brendon Julian

Brendon Julian believes Usman Khawaja should retire after the 2024-25 Border-Gavaskar Trophy. Julian pointed out that Khawaja is facing difficulties against quality bowlers with the new ball. He said that Khawaja should retire on a high and criticized players who try to extend their careers too long.

“Opening the batting in this series has been extremely difficult and I think as you get older – he’s 37 … I know he’s come out in the press and said ‘I’d like to make it to the next Ashes series.' I just can’t see that personally,” Julian told FOX Sports News.

"I actually think he probably should finish up this series in Australia, go out on a high. I just don’t like it when players try and hang on that little bit longer and as you get older and when you’re batting, you’re opening the batting against quality bowling with new balls. That is very, very difficult and as you get older, you’re just not as sharp," he added.

Usman Khawaja Played a Key Role in Australia's WTC 2021-23 Success

Usman Khawaja played a key role in Australia's World Test Championship 2021-23 success, especially during their subcontinent tours. After David Warner's retirement, he opened with Steve Smith for a while.

Khawaja averages just 25.67 from 14 innings in Tests this year. The veteran batter will need to regain batting form as Australia will play a crucial two-match series against Sri Lanka in the subcontinent next year.

I’m Just Enjoying It - Usman Khawaja

The 37-year-old said that he is enjoying the game and is confident in continuing for another year. Khawaja stated that he is physically and mentally in good shape and sees no reason to retire.

“I’m just enjoying it. Look at this face. It’s still fresh. If everything is going well there is no reason why I would not want to play another summer in Australia. My body is good, my mind is good, and I am still hitting the ball well," Khawaja said ahead of the third Test in Brisbane (via Sydney Morning Herald).

The veteran batter is currently unbeaten on 19 runs off 47 balls in the first innings of the third Test at The Gabba in Brisbane on Saturday, December 14. The opening day was affected by rain, with Australia finishing the day at 28/0 in 13.2 overs.

Also read: Jasprit Bumrah instructed to leave Test Cricket after Adelaide Test loss