Khawaja to retire after fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, closing a career marked by revival and racism battles

Usman Khawaja will retire after the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, ending a career defined by a resurgence, Ashes milestones, and confronting racism he faced.

Overview

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1.

Australia opener Usman Khawaja will retire from international cricket after the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, capping a career defined by resilience and off-field racism battles.

2.

Khawaja, born in Pakistan, scored his first Ashes century (171) against England at the SCG in 2018, then twin centuries at age 35 in 2022.

3.

His late-career revival included seven centuries in his first two years back with the national team, underscoring his enduring impact and resilience.

4.

This season drew criticism for missing Perth and Brisbane Tests with back spasms; he returned when Steve Smith suffered vertigo, then made 82 in Adelaide.

5.

The retirement news highlights a journey through racist abuse and off-field challenges, paired with advocacy for inclusion and equality within cricket, alongside a storied international career.

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Analysis

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Center-leaning sources frame Usman Khawaja's retirement by highlighting his criticism of racial stereotypes, emphasizing his unique position as a Pakistan-born Muslim in Australian cricket. They use Khawaja's quotes to underscore systemic issues, while balancing this with his career achievements. The narrative is structured to spotlight both his challenges and contributions, suggesting a nuanced legacy.

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Khawaja has played 86-87 Test matches, scoring 6,177-6,206 runs at an average of 43.4-43.81, with 16 centuries, 28 fifties, and a highest score of 232.

He scored his first Ashes century of 171 at SCG in 2018, twin centuries in the 2022 Ashes at SCG, and topped the 2023 Ashes run charts with 496 runs, aiding Australia in retaining the Ashes.

After being dropped and facing injuries, he returned strongly in 2022 with twin Ashes centuries at age 35, seven centuries in his first two years back, and was ICC Test Cricketer of the Year in 2023.

This season, he missed Perth and Brisbane Tests due to back spasms but returned after Steve Smith's vertigo, scoring 82 in Adelaide.

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