Australia coach Andrew McDonald has confirmed that veteran opener Usman Khawaja will take the field at the SCG, but he remains unsure whether it will be the 39‑year‑old’s final Test appearance.
Khawaja’s future has been a major talking point since he turned 39 earlier this month, with speculation expected to continue until he formally announces his retirement. A back injury sidelined him for the Brisbane Test, and he was then overlooked for the third match of the series.
However, Steve Smith’s vertigo symptoms opened the door for Khawaja’s return at the Adelaide Oval, where he delivered crucial innings of 82 and 40, effectively securing his spot for the remainder of the Ashes.
With Australia not scheduled to play another Test for up to eight months likely against Bangladesh in Darwin and North Queensland selectors may eventually need to prompt a decision if Khawaja does not make one himself.
“We haven’t had a conversation; the speculation has been from external (the media),” McDonald said at the MCG on Monday.
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