Usman Khawaja admitted he discovered it laborious to regulate his feelings after taking part in the ultimate Check of a distinguished 88-Check profession on Thursday. Photograph: REUTERS
SYDNEY:
Australia batsman Usman Khawaja admitted he discovered it laborious to regulate his feelings after taking part in the ultimate Check of a distinguished 88-Check profession on Thursday.
The 39-year-old was given a guard of honour by the England gamers when he walked out to bat for the ultimate time on the Sydney Cricket Floor, with visiting captain Ben Stokes shaking his hand.
His farewell didn’t go as deliberate, out for six within the fifth Ashes Check, however Khawaja mentioned it was a memorable event after a adorned 15-year profession and greater than 6,000 runs.
“It means rather a lot. The one factor I wished was a win,” he mentioned on Fox Sports activities after Australia gained the ultimate Ashes Check by 5 wickets to seal the sequence 4-1.
“Grateful for the one final remaining win and to have a good time with my teammates.
“It was very robust, I used to be attempting to behave cool however the entire Check match I discovered it actually laborious to regulate my feelings. I discovered it laborious to pay attention.
“I am glad that we received over the road and it is one thing I am going to cherish for the remainder of my life. I can simply calm down now.”
It culminated a profession the place it started after Khawaja made his debut on the SCG in 2011, additionally towards England.
Khawaja immigrated to Australia from Islamabad as a toddler, battling the chances to change into the nation’s first Pakistan-born, and first Muslim, nationwide participant.
At one level, he was the one Asian first-class participant in Australia and is credited as a task mannequin who opened doorways for others.
Khawaja, a certified pilot, plundered 16 centuries, averaging greater than 43.
He additionally performed 40 one-dayers and 9 Twenty20 internationals.
“Some folks have misplaced household, I’m fortunate my mother and father are nonetheless round. My household, my spouse, my children and one other one on the way in which,” he mentioned.”I like the sport of cricket however life exterior cricket has been extra vital.
“Few dicey runs there with a bit little bit of stress, however we received the job achieved ultimately.”
