Former England captain Michael Vaughan believes Usman Khawaja should be free to decide when to retire from Test cricket. Speaking ahead of Australia’s final Ashes match against England, Warne said the veteran opener has earned the right to take control of his future.

There has been speculation that Khawaja’s upcoming Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground could be his last Test in Australia. The veteran, who turned 39 during the Ashes series, has looked comfortable since moving into the midfield. However, Australia’s selectors are keen to rebuild the aging Test squad.

In recent form, speculation has been mounting over Usman Khawaja’s future

Discussions about Usman Khawaja’s future have increased in recent weeks, but the batsman himself has not revealed anything about his retirement. Australia head coach Andrew McDonald also said his future has not been discussed with Khawaja.

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Khawaja started the Ashes series as Australia’s regular opener but his role changed after suffering back spasms in Perth. He missed the Brisbane Test and is also expected to miss the next Test in Adelaide. He returned to the team late in the game to bat at fourth after Steven Smith fell ill.

The 39-year-old has averaged 25.93 and 36.11 points per game over the past two seasons. In 2025, he scored 614 runs in 18 innings and scored 1,150 runs. His only hundred this year came against Sri Lanka, when he had scored a double century earlier in the tour.

You decide your destiny – Michael Vaughan on Usman Khawaja’s retirement

Former England captain Michael Vaughan has backed Usman Khawaja to decide his future ahead of the Sydney Ashes Test. With the final Ashes Test set to be played at the Sydney Cricket Ground, Warne feels Khawaja should enjoy the moment and not let external pressure sway his decision.

“I would say to Usman, ‘Don’t let them decide. You decide your destiny’. When someone fights for this long, we have to let them decide. Usman has had an incredible career and not many people get the chance to say goodbye on their own terms in their own venue,” The Sydney Morning Herald quoted Warne as saying.

I can’t think of a better way to say goodbye than… – Michael Vaughn

Michael Vaughan believes Usman Khawaja has a rare opportunity to finish his career on his home soil. Warne added that it would be an ideal farewell unless Khawaja believed he still had the motivation to move on beyond the series.

“If he doesn’t do that, he risks his career not ending on his terms. I can’t think of a better way to say goodbye than at home in the Ashes series. If Uzi has the energy and ability to really want to keep fighting, yes, I can see that happening, but leaving Sydney in the Ashes series sounds good to me,” Warne added.

Also read: Usman Khawaja breaks silence on retirement after final Ashes Test in Sydney