Khawaja Guard of Honour
Farewells to cricket greats are rarely timed as well as Usman Khawaja's, here lauded by England's 'Guard of Honour' on the final day of the Ashes series. Even the umpires are applauding...
After injuring his back with a pre-game round of golf earlier in the series, he would have been unable to return had Steve Smith not suffered a round of vertigo (an unfortunate recurring side effect from being hit by a Jofra Archer bumper in the 2019 Ashes), allowing Khawaja to play in the third Test. Good scores saw him retained for the rest of the series.
Such sendoffs are rare, although David Warner received a dignified goodbye a couple of years ago. Damien Martyn, Justin Langer, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne retired at various points during and after the 2007 Ashes which Australia won 5-0. The entire Australian home series against India became a setting for Steve Waugh's retirement in 2004 (has to be seen to be believed: there is a DVD). Back in Bradman's day, the opposition was more likely to simply doff their caps and give three cheers.
Australia doesn't play another Test for eight months, but Usman's retirement leaves the opening spots up for grabs. Travis Head's move up the order was a big success, but Jake Weatherald won't be secure after 5 Tests, just 201 runs and an average of 22.3. Selectors will be hoping for a recovery from Konstas and a new generation to stake their claims.
Khawaja Guard of Honour
Farewells to cricket greats are rarely timed as well as Usman Khawaja's, here lauded by England's 'Guard of Honour' on the final day of the Ashes series. Even the umpires are applauding...
After injuring his back with a pre-game round of golf earlier in the series, he would have been unable to return had Steve Smith not suffered a round of vertigo (an unfortunate recurring side effect from being hit by a Jofra Archer bumper in the 2019 Ashes), allowing Khawaja to play in the third Test. Good scores saw him retained for the rest of the series.
Such sendoffs are rare, although David Warner received a dignified goodbye a couple of years ago. Damien Martyn, Justin Langer, Glenn McGrath and Shane Warne retired at various points during and after the 2007 Ashes which Australia won 5-0. The entire Australian home series against India became a setting for Steve Waugh's retirement in 2004 (has to be seen to be believed: there is a DVD). Back in Bradman's day, the opposition was more likely to simply doff their caps and give three cheers.
Australia doesn't play another Test for eight months, but Usman's retirement leaves the opening spots up for grabs. Travis Head's move up the order was a big success, but Jake Weatherald won't be secure after 5 Tests, just 201 runs and an average of 22.3. Selectors will be hoping for a recovery from Konstas and a new generation to stake their claims.