Opener Usman Khawaja has revealed that he wants to play in another Ashes series before retiring after having been part of Australia’s 3-1 wn in the Border Gavaskar Series.
Khawaja did not have an impressive series at home against India as he managed only 184 runs at an average of 20.44 in 10 innings. Out of his nine dismissals in the series, six were to Indian pacer Jasprit Bumrah, who was the leading wicket-taker (32) in the series.
Khawaja’s poor form raised concerns as he had scored only 458 runs in 20 innings with an average of 22.9. His current form had led to questions if he should be included in the side for the five match Ashes.
However, he has been included in the Australia’s Squad for upcoming two-match Test series in Sri Lanka that begins from January 29.
“There’s definitely 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.
“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 (rather than retiring after the Ashes),” said Khawaja.
The 38-year old is one of the oldest player in the squad where youngters like Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas is keen on taking over the role.
“Over the next three to four years, there’s going to be a lot of transition going on. I’m quite attuned to that and 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 in Sydney.
“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’.”
Coming to the current WTC cycle, Australia has qualified for the finals and will be facing Proteas Men at Lord’s. Australia will be playing their first test against Sri Lanka on January 29 at Galle International Stadium.
