Archive · 14 Dec 2025
Khawaja to Return as Opener
Usman Khawaja is a very good cricket player for Australia.
He has played in 85 Test matches and scored over 6000 runs.
Recently, he missed a game because of a back injury.
Some people, like Mike Hussey and Adam Gilchrist, think he should come back and open the batting again.
They believe his experience is important.
Travis Head, who did really well in the last game, might move down to bat later.
Khawaja says he doesn't worry about what others think and just focuses on playing well.
He also talked about how the pitch in Perth was not good for playing cricket.
Khawaja could have retired two years ago but still enjoys playing and feels valued by the team.
Usman Khawaja is set to return as opener for the third Ashes Test at Adelaide.
Travis Head, who scored a match-winning century in the second Test, may move down to No. 5.
Mike Hussey and Adam Gilchrist support Khawaja's return due to his experience and form.
Khawaja missed the second Test due to back spasms but is now fit.
Josh Inglis may be dropped to make way for Khawaja's return.
- Who
- Usman Khawaja, Australian Test opener, and Travis Head, Australian batter
- What
- Discussion on Khawaja's return to the opener's role and Head's position in the batting order for the third Ashes Test
- When
- Before the third Ashes Test at Adelaide
- Where
- Australia, specifically Adelaide
- Why
- To optimize the batting order and leverage Khawaja's experience and Head's form
Khawaja as Opener
Head as Opener
Batting Position
Khawaja as Opener
Khawaja should return to the opener's role due to his experience and form.
Head as Opener
Head should continue as opener after his match-winning century in the second Test.
Team Strategy
Khawaja as Opener
Khawaja's experience at the top is crucial for stability.
Head as Opener
Head's aggressive batting style is beneficial at the top.
- Usman Khawaja
- 38-year-old Australian Test opener
- Test Matches Played
- 85
- Test Runs
- 6055
- Current Average
- 43.56
- Recent Injury
- Back spasms
- Recent Performance
- 463 runs in 2024, including a double century in Sri Lanka
- Retirement Talks
- Could have retired two years ago but still valued by the team
- Perth Pitch Comments
- Criticized the pitch as 'a piece of shit'
- Travis Head
- Australian batter who scored a match-winning century in the second Test
- Mike Hussey
- Former Australia Test star advocating for Khawaja's return as opener
- Adam Gilchrist
- Former Aussie great supporting Khawaja's return to the top
Sources
‘I could’ve retired two years ago but…’: Australia opener Usman Khawaja on retirement talks
‘Probably worse result for England, Travis Head going back down order’: David Warner backs Usman Khawaja to open on return with Head in middle-order role
Local cuisine to be served in all Vande Bharat trains, says Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw
Ashes 2025: Fit-again Khawaja ‘ready to go’ for Adelaide Test
