Former Australia player Michael Clarke has added that the upcoming fifth Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy (BGT) 2024-25 is the ideal opportunity for Usman Khawaja to announce his retirement from international cricket as well. The veteran has been under pressure following a poor series against India.

Khawaja was the key player at the top of the order while Australia looked for David Warner’s replacement. However, the likes of Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, and Sam Konstas have all opened along with the left-handed batter this year whereas Khawaja has struggled against Jasprit Bumrah in the ongoing Border-Gavaskar series as well. He has recorded 141 runs in eight innings at an average of 20.14 and a strike rate of 43.79 as well.

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“This is Uzzie’s home Test match, the SCG. He has been an amazing player, absolute amazing player. Come back in, score runs overseas, score runs in Australia. He’s 38 years of age, I think it could be a great opportunity for Uzzie to announce his retirement, and Sydney be his last Test,” Clarke said on Beyond 23 Cricket Podcast.

“I know he would like to keep playing. His form has not been as good as he would like throughout this series. I know we’ve got a trip to Sri Lanka, and then we’ve got the Ashes. There’s a lot of cricket in between, but I also think that could be a great opportunity for a new player to come in, open the batting, get some Test match cricket under their belt before the first Ashes Test match,” Clarke continued. “Uzzie’s earned the right to do his own thing. But, I just thought maybe this could be the perfect time for him to finish on his own terms. In front of family and friends, Sydney Test match, what an awesome opportunity,” he concluded.