Steve Smith clarifies stance on Test retirement

SYDNEY: Following Australian cricketer Usman Khawaja’s announcement to retire from international cricket, Steve Smith has clarified his own retirement plans.

Speaking at a press conference in Sydney, Smith recalled old memories and said that when he was young and faced Khawaja for the first time, he realised Khawaja would become an outstanding player.

Smith praised Khawaja’s remarkable career and said he would like to be part of Khawaja’s final Test.

He especially lauded Khawaja’s excellent performances against Pakistan in 2018.

Smith said that despite challenges, Khawaja always carved his path through hard work, which he believes is the biggest reason for his success.

Speaking about his own future, Steve Smith said he has no plans to quit cricket yet.

Earlier, Australia’s renowned Test cricketer Usman Khawaja announced his retirement from international cricket. He will bid farewell to Test cricket after the Pink Test of the Ashes series at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Usman Khawaja, who began his first-class career at the Sydney Cricket Ground, will retire after playing his 88th Test match. The 39-year-old made his Test debut for Australia in 2011 and scored more than 6,000 runs in a career spanning 15 years.

According to Cricket Australia, Khawaja also rendered notable services off the field and created a positive legacy through the Usman Khawaja Foundation. He is the first Pakistan-born and the first Muslim Test cricketer to represent Australia.

In recognition of his outstanding performances, Khawaja was named ICC Test Cricketer of the Year and Shane Warne Test Cricketer of the Year in 2023. He was also part of the Australian team that won the ICC Test Championship the same year.

Speaking emotionally to the media after announcing his retirement, Khawaja said: “I am a Muslim boy from Pakistan who was told he would never play for Australia… look at me today.”

Khawaja said his preparation for the Ashes series had been questioned, and he was told he was not serious about the team. He was accused of playing golf a day before a Test match, skipping training, and was labelled selfish and lazy.

He said this was the same stereotypical and racial mindset he had faced throughout his life. According to him, he had hoped the media and former players had moved beyond such thinking, but reality proved otherwise.

He added that many players have played golf or drunk alcohol a day before a match, or suffered injuries, yet they were never criticised. Khawaja said that when he is injured, questions are raised immediately, whereas other players receive sympathy.

He said this hurt him the most and was something he had been battling for a long time. He added that he usually does not talk about such issues, but this time he felt staying silent would be wrong.

Cricket Australia CEO Todd Greenberg praised Khawaja’s services, stating that his exceptional performances played a key role in Australian cricket.

He said Khawaja had built a positive identity through the Usman Khawaja Foundation and is regarded as one of Australia’s most stylish and outstanding batters.

Todd Greenberg added that Cricket Australia is grateful for Khawaja’s services and congratulates him on a brilliant career.

It is worth mentioning that Usman Khawaja has so far played 87 Tests, 40 ODIs and 9 T20 Internationals, while the final Ashes Test begins on January 4 at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

Smith said that after Khawaja’s retirement, the Australian team will miss his experience, which is why his presence remains very important for the side.

Smith added that he is still determined to keep playing and will continue contributing to the team.