Is this the end of an era? Usman Khawaja's recent back injury has thrown his Test cricket career into serious doubt, and the question we must ask is: should this spell the end for the veteran opener? It's a tough question, especially considering his contributions to Australian cricket, but sometimes, the harsh realities of sport demand difficult decisions.
Khawaja, at 38 years old, has etched his name in Australian cricket history. With 85 Tests under his belt, an average of 43.56, 16 centuries, and a total of 6055 runs, he'll undoubtedly be remembered as a key figure at the top of the order, particularly during the 2020s. He's been a rock for the team, a calming presence in the often-turbulent world of international cricket. But here's where it gets controversial... Is past glory enough to justify a continued place in the squad when form and fitness are wavering?
While his career stats are impressive, recent performance tells a different story. Khawaja has only managed one score above 50 in 2025 – his magnificent 232 against Sri Lanka back in January. And let's be honest, that was a while ago. His last century before that was in June 2023. Since the start of 2024, his average has dipped to just 31.12. He simply hasn't looked like the reliable, dominant opener we've come to expect. And this is the part most people miss... Cricket is a ruthless game, and sentimentality rarely wins out against cold, hard performance data.
Even if Khawaja recovers from this back injury in time for the Ashes series, his return to the starting XI isn't guaranteed. It hinges on the performance of his potential replacements, Jake Weatherald and Travis Head. Weatherald, given his opportunity, will likely be given a reasonable run – perhaps until the Melbourne Test – to prove his worth. To drop him prematurely would be a sign of instability from the selectors. Similarly, quickly reversing the decision to have Head open would raise eyebrows and suggest a lack of clear strategy.
Turning 39 before the Boxing Day Test, the path back into the team for Khawaja looks increasingly narrow. It's becoming less and less likely that the selectors would actively try to force his inclusion. The current Australian XI is already on the older side; Cameron Green is the only player in his 20s in the 14-man Ashes squad. Inglis, Khawaja's replacement for the Brisbane Test, is 30 himself, highlighting the team's need to inject fresh blood and identify the next generation of batting stars to lead Australia through the remainder of the 2020s. The Sydney Morning Herald has reported that Khawaja isn't retiring immediately, but he also hasn't received any promises of a guaranteed spot upon his return to full fitness.
Back injuries are serious, and rushing Khawaja back into the team – especially given his reliance on painkillers to get through the Perth Test – could backfire. It's a risk not worth taking. Generally, new players in the Test side are given at least three Tests to prove their mettle before being dropped. This could mean that Weatherald needs to fail in at least four, if not six, more innings to create an opening for Khawaja's potential return this summer.
Now, imagine this: the series is tied 2-1 or 2-2 when it reaches Sydney, and the Weatherald/Head partnership hasn't clicked. This delicious scenario could prompt selectors to consider a Khawaja finale, giving him one last chance to shine in front of family and friends and potentially salvage a result against England. It's the stuff of dreams, a storybook ending. And stranger things have happened in Australian cricket. But let's be realistic, it's a long shot.
If this is indeed the end for Khawaja, it's not the finish he would have wanted. But it shouldn't diminish his remarkable career. He's enjoyed a 15-year Test career, emerging from the ashes of Australia's worst home Ashes defeat in 2011 and peaking in 2022 with his dominant return to the top of the order. In nine innings that year, he smashed four centuries, two scores in the 90s, and an unbeaten 44. It was one of the most impressive runs by an Australian Test batter this century. He rightfully won the Shane Warne Test Player of the Year award for his outstanding performance in 2022, and followed it up with significant scores in India and England in 2023.
And that's how he'll be remembered: for his resilience, his elegant strokeplay, and for being the first Pakistani-born cricketer to wear the baggy green. There's no doubt he'll have a continued role with Cricket Australia in the future. He'd even be a fantastic commentator for any broadcaster.
But this injury has presented the selectors with an opportunity to look ahead and invest in the future of Australian cricket, and it's an opportunity they shouldn't squander. Ultimately, it's about building a team for the next cycle, and sometimes, that means making tough calls, even with legends of the game. What do you think? Should sentimentality play a role in selection, or should it be purely based on current form and future potential? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!
