Khawaja Ready for Ashes Test, Untroubled by Future Speculations

Australia’s Usman Khawaja has confirmed he is fit and ready for the third Ashes Test against England next week, dismissing any speculation about his future. Khawaja, who will be turning 39 during the Adelaide Test starting Wednesday, missed the previous pink-ball game due to a back issue and did not open in either innings in Perth last month.

Speaking to reporters in Adelaide on Saturday, Khawaja said, “I could have retired two years ago, or at any time. I am always mindful of the future, I always have been. I am not here to hang on; I am just here to enjoy my cricket. As long as I am valued, I am here doing my job.”

In Khawaja’s absence, Travis Head and Jake Weatherald have been impressive at the top of the order. Head registered a match-winning 123 in Perth, while Weatherald added a solid 72-run knock in the second Test.

Khawaja expressed a relaxed attitude towards his potential return to the playing XI, saying, “I’ve got to be totally honest, it doesn’t really faze me. The older I have got, the more comfortable I have become with things I can control and things I cannot. I feel really good and I am ready to go. The rest of it is not in my control. So, we’ll see what happens.”

Australia currently leads the five-match series 2-0, and a victory in Adelaide would ensure they retain the urn.

Published on Dec 13, 2025