It is not just Rohit Sharma and Virat Kohli, who have been in poor form in the IND vs AUS series, but Aussie opener Usman Khawaja‘s role in the side is also under scanner. In 4 matches, the southpaw has only scored 141 runs at an average of 20, and ex-Australia skipper Michael Clarke feels, the Sydney Test will be a “great opportunity” for Khawaja to call time on his glorious career.
Has Time Come for Usman Khawaja?
Furthermore, 2024 had been poor for him, where in 9 Tests, he averaged only 25.93, and the home Test at the SCG should be the perfect way to end his career. Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja has just scored one fifty in the IND vs AUS series, and failed to provide solid starts to the team.
Speaking on the Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast, Clarke said, “This is Uzzie’s home Test match, the SCG. He has been an amazing player, absolutely amazing player. Come back in, score runs overseas, score runs in Australia. He is 38 years of age, I think it could be a great opportunity for Uzzie to announce his retirement, and Sydney to be his last Test.”
Should SCG Test be Khawaja’s Last?
Clarke went on to say that while Khawaja would like to play in the Sri Lanka series, but the time has come for him. “I know he would like to keep playing. His form has not been as good as he would like throughout this series. I know we have got a trip to Sri Lanka, and then we have got the Ashes. There is a lot of cricket in between, but I also think that could be a great opportunity for a new player to come in, open the batting, get some Test match cricket under their belt before the first Ashes Test match,” Clarke continued.
Since his last comeback in the side in 2022, in 33 Tests he has scored 2705 runs in 33 Tests, and averages 49, with 7 tons and 13 fifties, with a best of 195.
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