The Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed a deeply emotional scene on Thursday as Usman Khawaja walked out to bat for the final time in international cricket during the fifth Test of the 2025–26 Ashes series. The moment marked the end of a remarkable journey for the Australian opener, unfolding at the very venue where his Test career began more than a decade ago.

A full-circle farewell at the SCG for Usman Khawaja

Australia entered the Sydney Test with the Ashes already secured, holding a 3–1 lead in the series and aiming to finish on a high. For Khawaja, the SCG provided a fitting stage for his farewell. It was here that he made his Test debut in 2011 and later reignited his career with twin centuries in 2022. The weight of the occasion was evident, with Khawaja later admitting the emotions had begun to build even before he took guard.

His final innings, however, was brief. Facing Josh Tongue, Khawaja attempted to punch a short-of-a-length delivery outside off stump, only for the ball to jag back in, take an inside edge and crash into the stumps. He departed for six, bringing his international career to a close in dramatic fashion.

As Khawaja made the long walk back to the pavilion, he removed his helmet to a standing ovation from the SCG crowd. He waved his bat to all corners of the ground, blew a flying kiss and knelt to kiss the turf, while his wife was seen in tears in the stands. England’s Joe Root was among the first to shake his hand and congratulate him on a distinguished career.

Earlier, when Khawaja walked out during Australia’s fourth-innings chase, players and umpires formed a guard of honour, with Marnus Labuschagne embracing him at the crease. Australia went on to complete the chase to win the Test by five wickets, sealing a 4–1 Ashes series victory. Travis Head was named Player of the Match, while Mitchell Starc claimed the Player of the Series award.

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