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Usman Khawaja Retires After Emotional Ashes Win, Says "Hard to Control Emotions"

Usman Khawaja played his final international match as Australia defeated England in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, securing a 4-1 series victory. The veteran batter, who announced his retirement ahead of the match, admitted he struggled to control his emotions and concentrate during the game. Australia's win was set up by a massive first-innings total of 567, featuring centuries from Steve Smith and Travis Head. Mitchell Starc was named Player of the Series for his bowling performances throughout the Ashes.

Key Points: Usman Khawaja Retires from Cricket After Ashes Series Win

  • Khawaja retires after Sydney Test
  • Australia wins Ashes series 4-1
  • Travis Head named Player of the Match
  • Joe Root scores 160 in first innings
  • Mitchell Starc is Player of the Series
3 min read

"Found it hard to control my emotions:" Usman Khawaja on retiring from international cricket after Sydney Test

Usman Khawaja opens up on emotional retirement after Australia's Ashes win. Get his final stats, quotes, and series highlights from the Sydney Test.

"s, and series highlights from the Sydney Test.QUOTE: The whole Test match I found it hard to control my emotions. - Usman Khawaja"

Sydney, January 8

After Australia clinched the five-match Ashes series 4-1 in Sydney against England, Usman Khawaja, who played his final international game, opened up that he found it hard to control his emotions through the fifth and final Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground, reported ESPNcricinfo.

For those unversed, Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket ahead of the Sydney Test. The 39-year-old veteran scored 6206 runs in 87 Test matches and 157 innings at an average of 43.39. Khawaja notched up 16 hundreds and 28 half-centuries in the longest format.

In ODIs, the left-handed batter made 1554 runs in 40 matches and 39 innings at an average of 42, including two centuries and 12 fifties. In T20Is, the veteran scored 241 runs in nine outings with the help of one half-century.

After Australia won the fifth Ashes Test by five wickets, Khawaja opened up about winning the match and hit the winning runs for his side. He added that he found it hard to concentrate while batting in the middle. In both innings, Khawaja made 17 and six runs, respectively.

"It means a lot. So much has gone into it. The only thing I wanted was a win, as much as I wanted to hit the winning runs. The whole Test match I found it hard to control my emotions. I found it hard to concentrate in the middle. I'm grateful I've had the career I've had. I have full gratitude. It definitely got a bit too tight. You never count your chickens. We got the job done though," Khawaja said as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.

Steve Smith-led Australia won the Sydney Test by five wickets against the Three Lions. Earlier in the Ashes series, Australia clinched victories in Perth, Brisbane, and Adelaide, before the Three Lions bounced back and registered a memorable win in Melbourne.

England posted 384 in 97.3 overs after opting to bat first. Veteran batter Joe Root top-scored with 160 runs off 242 deliveries, along with 15 fours. This was Root's second hundred in the Ashes series after the Brisbane Test.

Vice-captain Harry Brook played a fighting knock of 84 runs off 97 balls, with the help of six fours and one six. Jamie Smith made 27 off 62 balls, including three boundaries.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc (2/93), Michael Neser (4/60), Scott Boland (2/85), Cameron Green (1/85), and Marnus Labuschagne (1/14) were among the wicket-takers.

In response, Australia notched up 567 in 133.5 overs and took a 183-run lead. Captain Smith made 138 off 220 balls, including 16 fours and one six. Beau Webster scored 71 off 87 deliveries, with the help of seven boundaries.

Travis Head top-scored with 163 runs off 166 balls, along with 24 fours and one six. For Three Lions, Brydon Carse (3/130), Josh Tongue (3/97), captain Ben Stokes (2/95), Will Jacks (1/34), and Jacob Bethell (1/52) picked wickets.

In the second innings of England, the 22-year-old Jacob Bethell played a fantastic knock of 154 off 265 deliveries, including 15 fours.

Opener Ben Duckett (42 off 55 deliveries, including six fours) and Harry Brook (42 off 48 balls, with the help of five fours) helped England make 342 in their second innings, setting up a target of 160 runs.

For Australia, Mitchell Starc (3/72), Scott Boland (2/46), Michael Neser (1/55), and Beau Webster (3/64) scalped wickets.

While chasing, Head (29), Jake Weatherald (34), and Marnus (37) ensured Australia won the fifth and final Test by five wickets against England. Josh Tongue scalped a three-wicket haul (3/42), having a decent outing with the ball for the visitors.

For his outstanding performance with the ball, Starc was named Player of the Series, whereas Travis Head, who was the highest run-getter with over 600 runs in this series, was named Player of the Match.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
His story is inspiring for so many. To represent Australia after moving from Pakistan, and to have such a solid Test career... it shows pure dedication. The emotions in his final match must have been overwhelming. A true gentleman of the game.
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Aman W
Respect from India! 43+ average in Tests is no joke. He was a tough wicket to get whenever we played against Aus. That said, I feel he could have played a bit longer? He seemed in decent touch. But maybe it's the right time to go out on a high with an Ashes win.
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Sarah B
The article focuses a lot on the match details, but the real story is the human element. "Found it hard to control my emotions" – that line hits home. It reminds us these athletes are people first. All the best, Usman!
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Vikram M
Great player. But honestly, the article is too long with all the scorecard details. Could have been more concise. The focus should be on Khawaja's retirement and his feelings, not every single run scored in the match.
K
Kavya N
End of an era! He was a stylish left-hander. Reminds me of some of our Indian greats who retired with similar emotions. Cricket will miss such calm and composed players. Hope he enjoys his retirement life! 🏏

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