Overview
- At a Sydney Cricket Ground press conference on Friday, the 39-year-old said the fifth Ashes Test starting Sunday will be his last for Australia.
- The opener concludes a 15-year Test career with 6,206 runs and 16 centuries in 87 matches, with the SCG set to be his 88th cap.
- As Australia’s first Pakistan-born and first Muslim Test cricketer, he framed his farewell around inclusion and representation, noting his community work through his foundation.
- He alleged racial stereotyping and double standards in media and commentary, citing criticism after a Perth back spasm and participation in a pre-match golf event.
- He said he is retiring only from international cricket, intending to continue in T20 leagues and the Sheffield Shield, as Cricket Australia publicly praised his legacy.