Let me know, I can slide out: Khawaja puts retirement ball in selectors’ court

Australia’s Usman Khawaja has put the ball in the selectors’ court as far as calling quits is concerned in international cricket. Khawaja, who has represented the Baggy Greens in 78 Tests and is on his way to play at least two more in Sri Lanka later this month, said that he is aware of his age and the transition that the team will undergo, but wants to play at least till the next Ashes at home, which will run from November 2025 to January 2026. 

“I still want to play and I want to 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 to cricket.com.au on January 26. 

Khawaja, who is from Sydney, wants to bow out in front of his home crowd but doesn’t know when the time will finally be up for him. 

“There’s 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," added the 38-year-old. 

And to make it clear, Khawaja finally answered where his limits are, saying, “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.”

As far as form is concerned, Khawaja is not really on the wrong foot so far, scoring more than 1000 runs in both 2022 and 2023. It was only in 2024 that he had an off year, scoring only 415 runs in nine Tests.