A look back at the best of Usman Khawaja’s Test career

By Faisal Agha

Spanning 15 years, Usman Khawaja’s Test career has been one of tenacity and perseverance. Despite multiple setbacks, the left hander has constantly fought back and shown his class to add his name among the finest players to don the Baggy Green.

As he calls time on his career, here is a look back on his greatest Test knocks.

Maiden Test century, Brisbane 2015

Despite a solid impression on his debut in 2011, Usman Khawaja struggled to notch up the big scores, crossing the 50-run mark just twice in his first nine Test matches. His fortunes changed following a recall for the home series against New Zealand, where he showcased the class he had always promised.

With Michael Clarke retiring and Steve Smith moving down to No.4, Khawaja got an opportunity at No.3 and he grabbed it with both hands. He registered his maiden Test century with a commanding 174 off 239 balls, an innings laced with 16 fours and two sixes.

Khawaja masterfully broke down a New Zealand attack boasting of Tim Southee, Trent Boult, Doug Bracewell and Mark Craig, forging formidable partnerships with David Warner, Steve Smith and then Adam Voges. Batting for over six hours, Khawaja announced himself on the big stage and showed the first glimpse of the class which would come to define his international career.

Marathon stand against Pakistan, Dubai 2018

Usman Khawaja was entrusted to lead an inexperienced Australian batting line-up when Australia faced Pakistan in 2018, and he rose to the challenge in memorable fashion during the first Test in Dubai.

Australia were put under immediate pressure after being bowled out for 202 in reply to Pakistan’s imposing first-innings total of 482. Despite Khawaja’s resolute 85, Australia found themselves trailing by a daunting 280 runs at the end of the first innings.

With roughly a day and a half left in the match, Australia were faced with the difficult task of either chasing 462 or batting out the game for a draw. Opening the innings, Khawaja added 87 runs with Aaron Finch before Australia suffered a dramatic collapse, losing three wickets without adding a run.

Staring down the barrel of a heavy defeat Khawaja valiantly stepped up, batting for more than eight hours to save the game for Australia. A masterful display of sweeps and reverse sweeps from the left hander made batting look easy on a turning track and in front of world-class spinners. Khawaja made 141 runs in 302 balls as he laid the foundation for Australia to secure a hard-fought draw.

Twin centuries in storming comeback, Sydney 2022

Usman Khawaja was roped in late for the New Year’s Test against England in Sydney after Travis Head was ruled out due to Covid. Returning to the Test side after two and a half years, the pressure was on Khawaja to perform, but he characteristically thrived under the spotlight.

Batting at No.5, Khawaja brought up his ninth Test century in the first innings, a composed 137 off 260 balls which helped Australia post a strong total of 416. Khawaja followed it up with another hundred in the second innings, remaining unbeaten on 101 as the match ended in a draw.

His twin centuries in a high-pressure Ashes Test proved decisive, not only in stabilising Australia in the game but also in cementing his place back in the side. The performance marked the beginning of a purple patch for Khawaja, during which he firmly established himself at the top of the order and emerged as a key pillar of a dominant Australian unit.

A pressure Ashes ton, Birmingham 2023

Fresh off winning the ICC World Test Championship in 2023, Australia turned their attention to their arch-rivals England with the aim to retain the Ashes. By then, Usman Khawaja had firmly cemented his place alongside David Warner as Australia’s premier opener, and he again showcased his brillaince with a stellar performance in the opening Test of the series.

In the first innings, Khawaja produced another masterclass in patience and control, crafting a superb 141 that formed the backbone of Australia’s reply as they finished just seven runs behind England first innings total. True to his growing reputation for marathon efforts, Khawaja batted for nearly seven hours, ensuring Australia stayed firmly in the contest.

In the second innings, Australia were set a challenging target of 281 and Khawaja’s grit and resilience came to the fore once more. Battling tough conditions, Khawaja faced 197 balls and added a vital 65 runs which was the top score for Australia. Late heroics from Pat Cummins sealed a famous victory for Australia, but it was Khawaja’s outstanding contributions that deservedly earned him the Player of the Match.

Maiden double century, Galle 2025

Khawaja’s mastery against spin was never more prominent than during his brilliant knock against Sri Lanka in Galle earlier last year. The left-hander was completely in control, producing a sublime innings to register his maiden double century in Test cricket.

A 352 ball stay at the crease saw him accumulate 232 runs, his highest ever in Test cricket. His marathon stay at the crease marked with discpline formed the backbone of Australia’s imposing first-innings total of 654.

The opener laid down massive partnerships, notably with Travis Head and Josh Inglis, steadily building Australia’s dominance. However, the most impressive was with the stand-in skipper Steve Smith as the pair added 266 runs in 419 balls for the fourth wicket.

Khawaja’s knock was key as Australia wore down the Sri Lankan attack. The double century paved the way for Australia to declare at 654/6, setting up a dominant innings and 242-run victory.