Usman Khawaja made 82 when given an unexpected opportunity in Adelaide (REUTERS)
Usman Khawaja refused to fade quietly into the background at the Adelaide Oval. Written off by many and left out of Australia’s original plans, the veteran seized an unexpected opportunity in the third Ashes Test and reminded everyone of his value.
At nearly 39, Khawaja was meant to be watching from the sidelines. Instead, he became one of Australia’s most important contributors on a dramatic opening day.
A career seemingly at the crossroads
Khawaja entered the Ashes series under a cloud. Back spasms ruined his first Test, where he managed just two runs before being ruled out of the second innings.
The injury then forced him to miss Australia’s dominant win at the Gabba. With the hosts cruising against England, selectors initially left him out for Adelaide.
Given his age, that decision sparked career obituaries in local newspapers. Many assumed his Test days were ending quietly.
Usman Khawaja was dropped on just five by Harry Brook at second slip (Getty Images)
A late twist before the toss
Fate intervened moments before play began. Steve Smith was forced to withdraw after suffering vertigo, nausea, and dizziness.
The sudden absence opened the door for Khawaja. He was recalled at the last moment and slotted into the unfamiliar number four position.
What followed was a test of temperament, resilience, and experience.
Early pressure, immediate challenge
Khawaja barely had time to settle. Australia lost Jake Weatherald and Travis Head quickly, slipping to 33-2 before the drinks break.
Called in earlier than expected, the veteran walked into a tense situation against a lively England attack.
He survived an early scare on five. A thick edge off Josh Tongue flew to Harry Brook at second slip, only to spill out.
Battling doubts and conditions
Khawaja never looked entirely comfortable. Short balls troubled him, and his footwork occasionally faltered.
Yet he stayed disciplined. Anything wide was punished, and he trusted his judgment outside off stump.
His composure steadied the innings. Alongside a cautious Marnus Labuschagne, he added 61 vital runs for the third wicket.
Australia reached 94-2 by lunch, regaining control after a shaky start.
Khawaja pounced on anything wide during his innings (REUTERS)
Momentum swings after lunch
Labuschagne’s dismissal soon after lunch shifted momentum again. He flicked Jofra Archer straight to midwicket.
Cameron Green, fresh off a record-breaking IPL deal, lasted just two balls before falling the same way.
Once more, Australia wobbled. Once more, Khawaja stood firm.
A crucial stand with Carey
Khawaja found an ideal partner in Alex Carey. The pair responded with patience and purpose.
They added 91 runs, blunting England’s attack and rebuilding Australia’s innings.
England captain Ben Stokes attempted to unsettle Khawaja with sustained short bowling. The tactic worked, forcing him onto the defensive.
Heartbreak short of a century
Sensing an opportunity, Khawaja attacked Will Jacks’ part-time spin. The gamble did not pay off.
Attempting a slog sweep, he picked out Josh Tongue at deep square leg. His innings ended on 82 from 126 balls.
The century that would have capped a fairytale return remained elusive. Still, the ovation said everything.
A career extended, for now
Khawaja walked off to loud applause, his contribution lifting Australia to 185-5. It felt like more than just runs.
It felt like a career reprieve.
Carey carried on after tea, going on to score a century as Australia crossed 300. England, after early promise, struggled to capitalise.
For Khawaja, the day belonged to defiance. Written off, recalled late, and tested early, he delivered when it mattered.
At an age when careers quietly end, Usman Khawaja chose to fight on.
