AUSTRALIA head coach and selector Andrew McDonald has confirmed Usman Khawaja will play in the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground amid media speculation it could be his last international.
The oldest player in an ageing squad, the 39-year-old lefthander’s spot in the line-up is under scrutiny following his demotion down the batting order and as selectors look to the future.
With the promoted Travis Head taking his opening spot, Khawaja batted at number four in the third Adelaide Test and number five in the fourth match in Melbourne.
While some reports in Australian media have suggested Sydney could be Khawaja’s last international, McDonald said he had not had any conversations with him about his future.
“There’s no indication at my end that he’s calling it in Sydney,” McDonald said in Melbourne.
“But his performance in this calendar year has been good enough to warrant selection so I’d say he’ll be there marking centre in Sydney.”
Khawaja has not spoken publicly of his plans and returned home to Queensland for a break with family ahead of the Sydney Test, which starts on Sunday.
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