Usman Khawaja silenced critics and defied talk of an imminent end to his Test career by playing a determined innings on the opening day of the third Ashes Test between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval. Khawaja, who was initially not in the starting XI and had been the subject of selection doubt and career obituaries in some media, made a defiant 82 off 126 balls to anchor Australia’s innings and steady the hosts after early setbacks..
The veteran left-hander was drafted into the lineup minutes before play began when Steve Smith was ruled out due to vertigo, giving Khawaja a late lifeline just as questions mounted over his place in the team. Batting at number four, he built his innings patiently, surviving an early reprieve on three and then showing resilience against a potent England attack that had reduced Australia to 94 for four shortly after lunch.
Khawaja’s effort helped Australia reach 194 for five by tea, with his crucial partnership alongside wicketkeeper Alex Carey providing much-needed stability after the top order faltered. The half-century drew applause from the Adelaide crowd and offered a reminder of his class and composure under pressure, especially with Australia looking to secure a result that would retain the Ashes for the hosts.
The build-up to Khawaja’s innings was dramatic. He had been overlooked for selection earlier in the week amid speculation about his future, with selectors initially choosing to persist with a winning opening combination and leaving the 38-year-old out of the side announced ahead of the match. That decision intensified debate around whether his Test career was winding down, coming after his omission from earlier games in the series due to injury and selection choices.
However, Smith’s late withdrawal due to illness — diagnosed as vertigo — prompted Khawaja’s unexpected recall just before the toss. The timing offered him a rare chance to remind observers of his abilities, and he seized it with an authoritative display that blended patience, shot selection and temperament.
Khawaja’s knock was marked by calm application rather than flamboyance, as he worked the ball into gaps and punished loose deliveries, showing the kind of maturity and technique that have been hallmarks of his international career. His contribution was pivotal in steadying Australia after early losses, and his half-century served as a counter-narrative to claims that his time at the highest level was over.
As Australia aimed to build a match-winning first innings total, Khawaja’s innings will be remembered not just for the runs he scored but for the context in which he made them — answering critics and proving that at 38, he still has the skill and determination to make significant contributions in the Ashes.
