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With the Ashes 2025-26 series nearing its conclusion, conversations around legacies and farewells have begun to surface. Former Australian speedster Brett Lee has added fuel to the debate by suggesting that the final Test in Sydney could be the perfect stage for Usman Khawaja to bid goodbye to international cricket. As Australia eye a dominant series finish, Lee believes a home-ground exit would be a ‘special’ ending for the veteran opener.
Brett Lee’s take on a potential farewell for Usman Khawaja
Speaking amid the ongoing Ashes, Lee said that while the decision ultimately rests with Khawaja, the symbolism of signing off at Sydney cannot be ignored. The former pacer highlighted how rare it is for players to have the opportunity to end their careers at a venue that holds personal and national significance.
According to Lee, the prospect of Australia sealing a 4-1 series win at Sydney adds to the romance of the moment. He noted that Khawaja has been one of Australia’s most consistent Test batters in recent years and deserves to choose his own exit, rather than being forced out by circumstances.
“That’ll be up to him, but it’d be a special way for him to go out, wouldn’t it? Home ground, a chance to win 4-1, but we’ll wait and see in a couple of days. Just a couple of weeks ago he was, and has been, one of Australia’s greatest batsmen,” Lee said, as quoted by The Roar.
Form, age and growing competition for Khawaja
Khawaja’s recent numbers have sparked discussion about his future. In 2025, the left-hander has scored 614 runs from 10 Tests at an average of 36.11, including one century and one half-century. While those figures remain respectable, the expectations around Australia’s opening combination remain sky-high.
The emergence of Travis Head as a dependable top-order option has increased competition for places, while Khawaja’s age—he turns 39—has also become part of the wider conversation. After a superb double hundred against Sri Lanka in January, the Queensland batter endured a quieter run before returning with scores of 83 and 40 in Adelaide.
A role model beyond numbers
The experienced opener missed the second Test of the series due to a back injury but retained his place on return, edging out Josh Inglis. However, modest returns of 29 and a duck in the Melbourne Test once again put his spot under the scanner. Lee was quick to defend Khawaja, stressing that his presence in the side is built on years of contribution rather than short-term form. He underlined that Khawaja was sidelined earlier due to injury, not because of a loss of faith from selectors.
Beyond runs and averages, Lee emphasised Khawaja’s impact as a senior figure in the dressing room. He described the opener as a role model for young cricketers, praising his professionalism, resilience, and journey to the top of Australian cricket. Khawaja’s Test career numbers reinforce that legacy. In 87 Tests, he has amassed 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39, striking 16 centuries and 28 fifties—figures that place him among Australia’s most reliable batters of his era.
“He’s in the team because of what he’s achieved, and he wasn’t left out due to form. He was left out because of his injury (to) his back. I don’t know what’s going on in his life, in terms of his professional cricket life, but all I can say is that he’s been instrumental for Australia. He’s been such a great role model for young kids coming through,” Lee added.
