Usman Khawaja Calls Time on International Career After SCG Ashes Test

Usman Khawaja, the Australian cricketer, has announced his retirement from international cricket after the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The 39-year-old batsman, who made his Test debut at the same ground in 2011, will play his 88th and final Test match. Khawaja has scored 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries, in his 87 Tests. He expressed his gratitude, saying, "I'm very lucky to have played so many games for Australia the way I have". Khawaja revealed he had considered retirement at several stages in the last two years, saying that he had spoken to McDonald about finishing around the Boxing Day Test against India last summer. "I said to him, if, at any stage right now, if you want me to retire, I will retire straight away. I have no issue. I'm not hanging on for myself," Khawaja said. "That was the most annoying thing, because I felt people were coming at me, and I felt they were saying I was selfish for staying on. But I wasn't staying on for myself. "Andrew McDonald practically said, no, I want you to stay. We need you for Sri Lanka and the World Test Championship. I want you to stay on. And so I did." Khawaja, Australia's first Muslim Test cricketer, hopes his career inspires youngsters, especially those who feel different. He also opened up about facing racial stereotypes throughout his career, citing criticism he received after playing golf before a Test match. "I'm a proud Muslim coloured boy from Pakistan who was told that he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now, and you can do the same," he said.