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SYDNEY: Usman Khawaja, Australia’s first Muslim and Pakistan-born Test cricketer, brought down the curtain on his international career with a ‘sujud’ at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on Thursday during the fifth Ashes Test against England.
Khawaja’s final innings, though brief, was a deeply emotional moment for fans and family alike.
Opening with a graceful flick for four off Will Jacks, his fairytale ending was cut short when he chopped on to Josh Tongue, finishing with 17 runs.
Despite the early dismissal, the retiring opener received a standing ovation as he walked off the field, culminating in a touching gesture.
Usman Khawaja knelt, kissed the turf, and offered his farewell to the ground that had witnessed much of his cricketing journey.
The moment resonated beyond the boundary ropes as Khawaja’s wife, Rachel, was seen shedding tears in the stands.
Reflecting on his final innings, Khawaja shared, “A little bit of annoyance because I chopped on. You don’t always get the fairy tale ending where you score the runs, and I kind of like that in some respect.”
“When it happened, I got over it after a few seconds. I looked over and saw Rachel. My family was up there, I gave them kisses and all my love.”
He added, “Without her, I wouldn’t be here today. She’s been my biggest support over the years, mental, emotional, everything. She’s the only one I really open up to. And coming out here at the end, that was my final way to say thank you.”
Usman Khawaja concludes his Test career with 6,229 runs at an average of 43.25, placing him 14th on Australia’s all-time run-scorers list.
Across 88 Tests, he amassed 16 centuries while also representing Australia in 40 ODIs and nine T20 internationals.
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