Overview
- Head coach and selector Andrew McDonald said Usman Khawaja will play the fifth Ashes Test at the SCG and noted there have been no retirement talks with the player.
- McDonald described the speculation as external and said Khawaja is with family before rejoining the squad, with any longer‑term decision to be considered after Sydney.
- Khawaja battled back spasms in Perth, missed Brisbane, returned with 82 and 40 in Adelaide, then made 29 and 0 in Melbourne, averaging just over 30 this series after shifting to the middle order.
- Former fast bowler Brett Lee said the SCG would be a fitting swansong should Khawaja choose to retire, framing it as the batter’s call at his home ground.
- Australia lead the series 3–1 going into the January 4 Test, with McDonald stressing World Test Championship points as the priority and a potential 4–1 finish.