Ashes 2025-26: Usman Khawaja to address media amid speculation over Test future ahead of fifth game

Amid growing speculation over his Test future, Australian batter Usman Khawaja is set to address the media ahead of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). The 39-year-old has endured a mixed Ashes campaign, with scores of 2, 82, 40, 29, and 0 so far. His series has also been disrupted by injury, as he hurt his back during the opening Test in Perth and missed the following match in Brisbane.

According to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald, Khawaja will speak at a press conference on Friday morning, where he is expected to address rumours surrounding his red-ball future. While the left-handed batter remains a strong contender to feature in Australia’s playing XI for the final Test, uncertainty continues to surround his career beyond the Ashes.

Although Cricket Australia has not officially confirmed the speakers, the report stated that Khawaja will face the media at the SCG before the hosts’ training session, with the press conference brought forward. Khawaja was initially expected to be dropped for the third Test in Adelaide but returned to the XI after Steve Smith fell ill on the morning of the match. Had Smith been fit, Khawaja would likely not have played.

Meanwhile, former Australian captain Michael Clarke has urged Khawaja to consider retiring after the fifth Test, suggesting he has a rare chance to walk away with his head held high.

“I think this will be Usman’s farewell Test match. I don’t think it’s a token selection; they obviously picked him for Melbourne, so if they’ve gone that way, you pick him for Sydney as well. But I think he’ll retire after this Test match. Australia will win the series. Hopefully, he goes out with a big score. I’d love to see Uz make a hundred at the SCG and walk away on a high because not many people get that opportunity,” Clarke told Code Sports.