Usman Khawaja said on Friday he would retire from international cricket after the fifth and final Ashes clash against England, leaving a legacy as Australia’s first Muslim cricketer while lashing out at perceived “racial stereotypes” during his 15-year career.
The 39-year-old will return for the final time, if selected, when the Test begins in Sydney on Sunday, ending months of speculation over his future.
It would be an 88th Test for the stylish left-hander, the highlight of a career she began after making her debut at the Sydney Cricket Ground in 2011, also against England.
“The number one emotion is contentment. I am very lucky to have played as many matches for Australia as I have,” Khawaja said.
“I hope I have inspired people along my journey.
“I am a proud Muslim colored boy from Pakistan who was told he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now, and you can do the same.”
Khawaja immigrated to Australia from Islamabad as a child, fighting against all odds to become the country’s first Pakistani-born national player and first Muslim.
At one point he was the only Asian first-class player in Australia and is seen as a role model who opened doors for others.
“Usman has made a huge contribution to Australian cricket both through his outstanding achievements as one of our most stylish and durable hitters since his Test debut 15 years ago, and off the field, particularly through the Usman Khawaja Foundation,” Cricket Australia chief Todd Greenberg said.
“On behalf of Australian cricket, I would like to thank and congratulate Usman for all that he has achieved.”
Khawaja’s foundation helps young people from refugee, immigrant, indigenous and poor socio-economic backgrounds through introductory cricket programs and educational support.
‘Attacked me’
Khawaja, a skilled spinner, has plundered 6,206 runs in Test cricket with 16 centuries, at an average of 43.39.
He made a career-best 232 against Sri Lanka a year ago but has not reached triple figures since.
The current Ashes series has been a roller coaster ride with the veteran batsman coming under intense scrutiny.
He injured his back during the first Test in Perth and was replaced as opener in the second innings by Travis Head who smashed a match-winning century.
Khawaja did not feature in the next match in Brisbane and was left out of the squad for the third Test in Adelaide, only to be given a lifeline when Steve Smith fell ill just before the toss.
He came in at number four and reached 82 and 40 before making 29 and 0 in the fourth Test in Melbourne.
“I’m happy to be able to leave on my own terms, with a bit of dignity, and go out to the SCG where I love,” he said, while expressing frustration at the way he was treated.
“When I was treating my back (in Perth), I hurt my back and had back spasms and it was something I couldn’t control.
“The way the media and ex-players came out and attacked me. I could have gotten away with it for a few days, but it lasted five days.
“The way everyone talked to me about my preparation, ‘He’s not committed to the team. He only cares about himself. He’s in a golf competition. He’s selfish, he hasn’t trained hard enough. He’s lazy.’
“It’s the same racial stereotypes (I thought we had moved past them).
“But obviously we’re not completely past that point yet. I’ve never seen anyone treated like that in the Australian cricket team before.”
He did, however, admit that the writing was on the wall during the current Ashes series.
“Going to Adelaide and not being selected initially for that game was probably a sign for me to say ‘okay, it’s time to move on’,” he said.
Khawaja has also played 40 one-day matches and nine Twenty20 internationals.
