- Usman Khawaja Bids Farewell With Emotional SCG Turf Kiss In Ashes 5th Test

Originally posted on Cricfit | By Sarvang Bhola | Last updated Jan 8, 2026 5:59 AM ET

An emotional Usman Khawaja kissed the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) turf after being dismissed by Josh Tongue on Day 5 of the concluding Test of the 2025–26 Ashes. As he made his way back to the dressing room, the left-handed batter bowed down and kissed the pitch, marking a poignant moment in what was his farewell Test appearance.

Khawaja had earlier confirmed that the Sydney Test would be his final outing for Australia, fittingly at the venue where he made his Test debut during the 2010–11 Ashes series. While the elegant southpaw endured a modest final match with scores of 17 and 6, Australia sealed a victory in the Test to clinch the series 4–1.

Here’s the video of Khawaja kissing the SCG turf, shared by cricket.com.au:

Thanks, Uzzy #Ashes pic.twitter.com/h9HPM4arJy

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 8, 2026

The experienced batter went on to enjoy a prolific spell in Test cricket after earning a recall midway through the 2020–21 home Ashes series. He finished 2023 as the highest run-scorer in the longest format, amassing 1,210 runs from 13 matches at an impressive average of 52.60, including three centuries. Khawaja also played a pivotal role in Australia’s Test series triumphs in Sri Lanka and Pakistan in recent years.

“I Found It Hard To Control My Emotions Throughout The Test” – Usman Khawaja

Speaking to Fox Cricket, Usman Khawaja revealed that the emotions surrounding his final Test made it difficult for him to stay focused while batting. He said:

“It means a lot. So much has gone into it. The only thing I wanted was a win, as much as I wanted to hit the winning runs. The whole Test match I found it hard to control my emotions. I found it hard to concentrate in the middle. I’m grateful I’ve had the career I’ve had. I have full gratitude. It definitely got a bit too tight. You never count your chickens. We got the job done though.”

This article first appeared on Cricfit and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: