With the Ashes 2025-26 collection nearing its conclusion, conversations round legacies and farewells have begun to floor. Former Australian speedster Brett Lee has added gas to the talk by suggesting that the ultimate Take a look at in Sydney might be the proper stage for Usman Khawaja to bid goodbye to worldwide cricket. As Australia eye a dominant collection end, Lee believes a home-ground exit can be a ‘particular’ ending for the veteran opener.
Brett Lee’s tackle a possible farewell for Usman Khawaja
Talking amid the continued Ashes, Lee stated that whereas the choice in the end rests with Khawaja, the symbolism of signing off at Sydney can’t be ignored. The previous pacer highlighted how uncommon it’s for gamers to have the chance to finish their careers at a venue that holds private and nationwide significance.
In line with Lee, the prospect of Australia sealing a 4-1 collection win at Sydney provides to the romance of the second. He famous that Khawaja has been one among Australia’s most constant Take a look at batters lately and deserves to decide on his personal exit, relatively than being pressured out by circumstances.
“That’ll be as much as him, nevertheless it’d be a particular approach for him to exit, wouldn’t it? House floor, an opportunity to win 4-1, however we’ll wait and see in a few days. Simply a few weeks in the past he was, and has been, one among Australia’s biggest batsmen,” Lee stated, as quoted by The Roar.
Kind, age and rising competitors for Khawaja
Khawaja’s latest numbers have sparked dialogue about his future. In 2025, the left-hander has scored 614 runs from 10 Assessments at a mean of 36.11, together with one century and one half-century. Whereas these figures stay respectable, the expectations round Australia’s opening mixture stay sky-high.
The emergence of Travis Head as a reliable top-order choice has elevated competitors for locations, whereas Khawaja’s age—he turns 39—has additionally grow to be a part of the broader dialog. After an outstanding double hundred in opposition to Sri Lanka in January, the Queensland batter endured a quieter run earlier than returning with scores of 83 and 40 in Adelaide.
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A task mannequin past numbers
The skilled opener missed the second Take a look at of the collection attributable to a again damage however retained his place on return, edging out Josh Inglis. Nonetheless, modest returns of 29 and a duck within the Melbourne Take a look at as soon as once more put his spot underneath the scanner. Lee was fast to defend Khawaja, stressing that his presence within the aspect is constructed on years of contribution relatively than short-term type. He underlined that Khawaja was sidelined earlier attributable to damage, not due to a lack of religion from selectors.
Past runs and averages, Lee emphasised Khawaja’s affect as a senior determine within the dressing room. He described the opener as a job mannequin for younger cricketers, praising his professionalism, resilience, and journey to the highest of Australian cricket. Khawaja’s Take a look at profession numbers reinforce that legacy. In 87 Assessments, he has amassed 6,206 runs at a mean of 43.39, putting 16 centuries and 28 fifties—figures that place him amongst Australia’s most dependable batters of his period.
“He’s within the crew due to what he’s achieved, and he wasn’t not noted attributable to type. He was not noted due to his damage (to) his again. I don’t know what’s occurring in his life, by way of his skilled cricket life, however all I can say is that he’s been instrumental for Australia. He’s been such a fantastic position mannequin for younger youngsters coming by means of,” Lee added.
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