The two-match Test series between Sri Lanka and Australia is set to commence on January 29, promising an intense battle in challenging subcontinental conditions.
Australia’s two-match Test series against the Sri Lanka
Australia, led by Steve Smith, will look to assert their dominance, especially after their recent success in the Border Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024- 2025 although in the absence of regular skipper Pat Cummins. Key players like Usman Khawaja and Marnus Labuschagne will face a tough test against Sri Lanka’s spin duo, Prabath Jayasuriya and Ramesh Mendis. Both teams have also included younger talents, reflecting a focus on the future. With Galle hosting both matches, the series is expected to produce gripping, spin-friendly contests.
Usman Khawaja addresses retirement talks
Australia’s veteran batter, Usman Khawaja, has spoken about his Test retirement discussions ahead of the upcoming Test series in Sri Lanka. He expressed a strong desire to continue playing as long as he can contribute effectively to the team’s success. However, Khawaja later emphasized that he avoids making long-term plans and prefers to focus on the present.
Despite his recent batting struggles, Khawaja acknowledged the inevitable transition phase that Test cricket will undergo in the coming years. He reiterated his commitment to playing as long as he feels he can contribute meaningfully to the team’s success. Additionally, Khawaja emphasized that he respects the selectors’ decisions and will gracefully step aside if they believe it is time for him to retire.
“Over the next three to four years, there’s going to be a lot of transition going on. I’m quite attuned to that, and I still want to play and keep playing for as long as I can. But I also know there might be a right time to slip out. If I’m still playing and the selectors are like, ‘We feel like the time’s come,’ it’s, ‘You let me know, and I can slide out,” Khawaja was quoted as saying by The Roar.
Also READ: No Pat Cummins as Australia unveils Test squad for the Sri Lanka tour; Cooper Connolly earns maiden call-up
Khawaja’s ambitions
Khawaja has also acknowledged the evolving nature of the Test squad and remains eager to contribute to the team’s success. He also hinted at his long-term ambitions, expressing his desire to be part of the Australian squad for the Ashes 2025/26 series against England.
“There’s definitely those thoughts (bowing out in Sydney) in my head. I’m not afraid to talk about that. I’m human. I’d still like to play the Ashes at a bare minimum. I try not to think too far ahead—that’s as far ahead as I’ll think. As long as we’re winning, I’m still contributing, my body’s still feeling good, I’ll play. For me, it always feels more like one summer at a time (rather than retiring after the Ashes),” Khawaja concluded.
A glimpse at Khawaja’s Test career
Khawaja’s Test career has been impressive, featuring 78 matches, where he has scored 5,635 runs at an average of 44.02. His record includes 15 centuries and 27 half-centuries, with a career-best score of 195 not out against South Africa in 2023. However, the 2024 calendar year has seen a dip in Khawaja’s form, as he managed only 415 runs at an average of 25.93. This was a significant drop compared to his stellar performances in 2023 and 2022.
During 2024, he scored just two fifties, with his highest score being 75. Khawaja’s recent form in the BGT against India was not up to the mark, scoring only 184 runs at an average of 20.44 across ten innings. Despite registering just one half-century, his performance was overshadowed by Jasprit Bumrah, who dismissed him six times in nine innings.
Also READ: David Warner selects Australia’s opener for the Sri Lanka tour
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