When Australia announced the team for the Adelaide Test, Usman Khawaja’s name was missing. In fact, until the very last minute, Khawaja thought he was not playing. But Steve Smith had to be left out due to illness, and the southpaw found himself in the playing XI for the third Ashes 2025 Test vs England.

New Role for Usman Khawaja
Instead of his usual opening slot, Khawaja found himself batting at No. 4. But he was soon out in the middle after Australia had been rocked early and found themselves at 33/2. Khawaja knew this was his chance to make it good,d and he did not disappoint.

Usman Khawaja’s Resilience
Khawaja put on 61 for the third wicket with Marnus Labuschagne (19). After that, he added 91 for the fifth with Alex Carey (106). This was the most crucial partnership as it helped Australia end Day 1 on 326/8. Carey may have been the primary dominant force, but Khawaja’s innings was just as important.

Unlucky Miss for Usman Khawaja
He finished with 82 to his name, and it was unfortunate that he missed a 100. Khawaja made 82 from 126 deliveries with 10 fours. A proper Test knock that took away England’s early advantage. England did get a foot in the door when he departed, but the pendulum continued to swing throughout the day.

How Long Will Usman Khawaja Play for Australia?
Khawaja is now 3,9 and it remains to be seen how long he can play for Australia. This chance came out of the blue after he had been left out of the second Test and had not done well in the first. But how long can he keep it up? Time is not on his side, de and it remains to be seen if he is around much longer. Of course, that is a call that Australia and he have to make in the long run.

Usman Khawaja’s Brilliant Test Numbers
The 39-year-old's Test numbers are not bad by any stretch of the imagination. In 86 games, he’s batted 154 times with 13 unbeaten knocks. Khawaja has scored 6137 runs at an average of 43.52 with 16 100s and 28 50s to his name. Add to that a personal best of 232. Not to mention the countless times he’s anchored Australia’s innings. When he does leave, it will be a big loss for the Aussies. Hopeful, likely it will be later rather than sooner, but the future is not set in stone.