It’s January 8, 2026. Usman Khawaja walked out with the score on 92/3. Australia need 68 to win the Sydney Test and take the series 4-1. The Ashes are already in the bag thanks to the Aussies winning the first three. England at best, can make it 3-2. But for Khawaja, this walk out into the middle is different. Why so? Because it’s the final time he’s doing it in an Australian Test jersey.

Yes, 15 years later, on the same ground that Khawaja made his debut against the very same opposition, the southpaw is walking out to bat. However, there was no romantic final fling for him. Khawaja hit one boundary and lasted seven balls. At one point, it seemed he would take Australia home.

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But it was not to be. He was bowled by Josh Tongue and the score was 119/4. Australia still 41 short. The man who came out when Steve Smith fell joined the skipper back in the pavilion. However, there was not miracle for England as Alex Carey and Cameron Green took Australia home with five wickets to spare and win Ashes 2025-26 4-1.

For Khawaja, it was a great way to end a career that consisted of 88 Tests. The 39-year-old was part of an Ashes win and what better way to exit the scene? For the veteran, life came full circle as his Test journey ended at the very place he started it. Only the result was different this time. He may have made just 17 and six, but it was a game to remember.

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Rewind to January 3, 2011. Khawaja was handed his maiden Test cap as Australia faced England in Sydney in the final Ashes Test. England were on the cusp of history as they led the series 2-1. Australia had to win to ensure a draw. England had already retained the rubber but they were about to achieve something huge. A draw or a victory would win their first Test series win Down Under after 24 years. That is just what happened as the visitors won by an innings and 83 runs to clinch it 3-1.

Khwaja himself made 37 and 21 in his debut Test. But it would not be a memorable one. Not only did Australia lose the game and series but they lost to England at home after such a long time. The last time it happened, Khawaja was not even a month old, this time he was on debut. His debut began in defeat.

A Special Win for Usman Khawaja

That is why this win is special. Khawaja’s final Test was against the same opponents who ruined his debut 15 years ago and at the same ground. But this time, Australia were the winners, both of the match and the series. His career may have started with a defeat but it ended in victory.

While Khawaja was a better player than numbers suggest, his Test stats are not bad at all. The man has played 88 games and batted on 159 occasions. Add to that 13 not-outs and 6229 runs plus an average of 42.95. He finished with 16 100s and 28 50s plus a personal best of 232. His legacy is right up there with the best of Australian cricket.

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For Khawaja, it was all about breaking barriers. The boy from Islamabad came to Australia when he was just four and broke through the ranks of school and domestic cricket. By his own admission, he faced racism and prejudice but eventually became Australia’s first Muslim cricketer. After that, there was no looking back.

The man never shied away from controversy and took a stand for what he believed in. Yes, his direct approach did make him unpopular at times but Khawaja was never one to mince his words. When one sees his legacy, Khawaja is more than just his Test numbers. He had won battles outside the cricket field in order to win the ones he did on it. That’s why Khawaja is one of a kind.