usman khawaja | DD News

January 2, 2026 10:44 AM

‘Still have to fight every single day’: Khawaja calls out racial stereotypes in Australian cricket

Retiring veteran batter Usman Khawaja has hit out at racial stereotypes in Australian cricket, saying he has been treated differently throughout his career because of his race and religion. Khawaja, the first Muslim to play Test cricket for Australia, said at a 50-minute press conference at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), where he announced his international retirement, that he wanted to make life easier for “the next Usman Khawaja”. The veteran batter said he is still battling stereotype...

December 29, 2025 3:10 PM

Ashes: Australia’s Usman Khawaja confirmed for Sydney test

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 lefthander's 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 th...

December 15, 2025 11:52 AM

Australia’s Khawaja fit for third Ashes test, unfazed by future talk

Australia's Usman Khawaja has declared himself fit for the third Ashes test against England next week, brushing aside speculation about his future and saying he will keep playing as long as he is valued by the team. The left-handed batter, who will turn 39 during the Adelaide test which starts on Wednesday, missed the pink-ball encounter against England due to a back problem, and was also unable to open in either of the innings in Perth last month. “I could have retired two years ago, or a...

December 2, 2025 10:24 AM

Marnus Labuschagne backs under fire Usman Khawaja ahead of second Ashes test

Marnus Labuschagne has backed Usman Khawaja ahead of the second Ashes test and made it clear he will not be moving back up the order even if Australia decide to drop the struggling opener. Khawaja struggled with back spasms during Australia's dramatic victory over England in the series opener in Perth, failing to open either innings and contributing only two runs to his team's cause. Travis Head's match-winning century as Khawaja's replacement as opener has reinvigorated the debate over the to...

January 30, 2025 4:12 PM

Usman Khawaja breaks new ground as first Australian to smash double ton in Sri Lanka

Australian opener Usman Khawaja struck his maiden double century in the first Test against Sri Lanka on Day 2 at Galle International Stadium, becoming the first Australian to achieve this milestone on Sri Lankan soil. Khawaja reached his double hundred just before lunch on Day 2 of the Galle Test. The left-handed batter played a stunning innings of 232 runs from 352 balls, which included 16 boundaries and one six. With this knock, Khawaja surpassed his previous highest Test score of an unbeate...