Australias Khawaja confirmed for Sydney Ashes test

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Cricket - The Ashes - Australia v England - Fourth Test - MCG, Melbourne, Australia - December 26, 2025 Australia’s Usman Khawaja batting. REUTERS/Asanka Brendon Ratnayake

MELBOURNE, Dec 29 - Australia head coach and selector Andrew McDonald has confirmed Usman Khawaja will play in the fifth Ashes test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground amid media speculation it could be his last international.

The oldest player in an ageing squad, the 39-year-old lefthanders spot in the line-up is under scrutiny following his demotion down the batting order and as selectors look to the future.

With the promoted Travis Head taking his opening spot, Khawaja batted at number four in the third Adelaide test and number five in the fourth match in Melbourne.

While some reports in Australian media have suggested Sydney could be Khawajas last international, McDonald said he had not had any conversations with him about his future.

Theres no indication at my end that hes calling it in Sydney, McDonald told reporters in Melbourne on Monday.

But his performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection so Id say hell be there marking centre in Sydney.

Khawaja has not spoken publicly of his plans and returned home to Queensland for a break with family ahead of the Sydney test, which starts on January 4.

The 87-test veteran suffered back spasms during the first Ashes test in Perth and missed the second match in Brisbane.

He is averaging just over 30 with the bat in his three Ashes tests