- Australia wrapped up 4-1 Ashes sequence victory
As the primary Muslim Australian Check cricketer, and the primary born in Pakistan, Usman Khawaja is used to doing issues by himself.
However when the SCG crowd stood as one to welcome Khawaja to the batting crease one final time, the eye was for all these current to want the 39-year-old a fond farewell.
After applause and a pat on the again from captain Steve Smith, the prolific left-hander jogged over to the ‘Thanks Uzzy’ painted on the outfield.
England shaped a guard of honour together with the umpires for the quantity 5 to cross by.
Touring skipper Ben Stokes then shook arms with the well-loved Australian as he strode out to attempt to assist get the ultimate 62 runs for victory.
‘It is what I like about cricket, I mentioned thanks to Stokesy for it, very humbling,’ Khawaja mentioned after the match.
Usman Khawaja (pictured) falls to his knees on the SCG turf after being dismissed for six runs in his closing Check innings
The 39-year-old took time to acknowledge the SCG crowd, who rose to offer him a standing ovation in a second he mentioned he’ll at all times cherish
Khawaja (pictured) performed down the order after skipper Steve Smith elected to not convey him on as an opener
‘Cricket is an attractive recreation … it is at all times bringing individuals collectively,’ he added.
‘Once I got here to Australia I could not converse a phrase of English … it broke down all of the obstacles.’
Requested how he felt as he walked off for the ultimate time, he laughed and mentioned, ‘Slightly little bit of annoyance as a result of I chopped on.’
The Mail’s cricket correspondent, Lawrence Sales space, noticed Khawaja in tears from his spot on the SCG, and the veteran confirmed he could not comprise himself after the win.
‘I used to be attempting to behave cool,’ Khawaja mentioned.
‘However the entire Check match I discovered it actually laborious to manage my feelings.
‘It is one thing I will cherish for the remainder of my life, with the ability to end right here on the SCG.’
After solely managing 17 runs off 49 balls within the first innings by lacking a low full toss, the parochial residence crowd was hopeful of a fairytale ending.
‘Uzzy’ kissed the hallowed turf on the SCG earlier than strolling again to the pavilion
The veteran’s spouse Rachel (pictured with him and their daughters after the match) was seen in tears within the stands as his on-field profession drew to an in depth
However sadly it wasn’t to be, with Khawaja chopping on a good-length ball from Josh Tongue for simply six runs.
His tearful spouse Rachel watched on from the stands as Khawaja knelt on the hallowed Sydney turf and kissed the outfield earlier than making his final exit from the SCG pitch.
The left-hander finishes his Check profession with 6229 runs at a median of 43.25, inserting him 14th within the all-time listing of Australian run-scorers.
Signing off on the SCG is a becoming venue for the 39-year-old, with the bottom being the positioning of a few of his biggest triumphs in a roller-coaster profession.
Khawaja made his debut within the harbour metropolis within the closing recreation of the 2010-11 Ashes sequence.
He scored 37 and 21, whereas showcasing the measured method to batting that may develop into his trademark.
After being dropped and recalled a number of occasions, a optimistic COVID check for Travis Head allowed Khawaja to make his closing barnstorming return to the crew in 2022.
Twin centuries (137 and 101no) batting at No.5 cemented his place within the crew for almost 4 years.
Australia despatched Khawaja out a winner by claiming a five-wicket victory within the closing Check of the sequence.
