logo
WTC Final: Usman Khawaja addresses retirement plans; clears air around Australia's opening conundrum

WTC Final: Usman Khawaja addresses retirement plans; clears air around Australia's opening conundrum

Time of India2 days ago

Usman Khawaja of Australia during a nets session at Lord's Cricket Ground on June 08, 2025 in London, England (Image via)
Australian opener
Usman Khawaja
, 38, discussed his retirement plans ahead of the World Test Championship final against South Africa at Lord's on Wednesday. The veteran batsman, who has scored the most runs (1,422) for Australia in the ongoing WTC cycle, has taken on increased responsibility at the top of the order following David Warner's retirement in January last year.
His consistent performance has been crucial for the Australian team during this period.
Khawaja emphasized that he will retire gracefully when the time comes while maintaining that age is irrelevant as long as he continues to perform and enjoy the game.
"To me, age is irrelevant. If I'm still enjoying my game, still training really hard, I'm still scoring runs, still contributing to the team where I can, I've still got the hunger.
I don't really think of anything as different, but I'm very open," Khawaja told ICC Digital at Lord's.
"I'm really just enjoying my cricket at the moment. Everything that has a beginning has an end. I don't know when that end will be, but for me it's all about staying in the moment, enjoying it one Test match at a time, one series at a time. And when it's time to hang up the boots, I'll gracefully do that, whatever it be," he added.
by Taboola
by Taboola
Sponsored Links
Sponsored Links
Promoted Links
Promoted Links
You May Like
Keep Your Home Efficient with This Plug-In
elecTrick - Save upto 80% on Power Bill
Learn More
Undo
Bombay Sport Exchange Ep. 6: Harish Thawani on cricket's TV market and the watershed moments
Australia has experimented with various opening partners for Khawaja since Warner's departure, including Steve Smith, Nathan McSweeney, Travis Head, and Sam Konstas. There are speculations that Marnus Labuschagne might be promoted from his number three position to open alongside Khawaja in the final.
Konstas, who performed impressively against India in the Border-Gavaskar Trophy, is also training with the squad in London and remains a potential candidate for the opening position.
Poll
Who do you think should open alongside Usman Khawaja in the WTC final?
Marnus Labuschagne
Travis Head
Sam Konstas
Khawaja remains focused on his own game despite the uncertainty surrounding his opening partner. When asked if the lack of clarity affects his mindset, he responded: "Not really, to be honest. Opening is so tough. I'm worried about how the ball is going to bowl to me and what I need to do. The opposite, whoever's opening with me is thinking exactly the same. Then we're kind of in the middle working together on how we're going to blunt out this attack.
"
"It doesn't really change my game too much. If anything, the change was probably a little bit quieter without Davey. But for me, it's just about what I need to do for my team and then where I need to work with my partner while I'm out there," he concluded.

Orange background

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Comments

No comments yet...

Related Articles

Travis Kelce's gym bag sparks Swiftie frenzy after Taylor Swift's Eras Tour book makes a surprise appearance
Travis Kelce's gym bag sparks Swiftie frenzy after Taylor Swift's Eras Tour book makes a surprise appearance

Time of India

time18 minutes ago

  • Time of India

Travis Kelce's gym bag sparks Swiftie frenzy after Taylor Swift's Eras Tour book makes a surprise appearance

Travis Kelce carries what appears to be Taylor Swift's Eras Tour Book in his gym bag (Getty Images) NFL star Travis Kelce has once again stirred Swiftie speculation—this time not with a grand gesture or viral quote, but with a gym bag. The Kansas City Chiefs tight end was recently spotted in Florida carrying a zebra-print bag that quickly drew attention for what appeared to be peeking out of it: Taylor Swift 's coveted Eras Tour Book. Taylor Swift's Eras Tour legacy continues to follow Travis Kelce Though the sighting may have seemed casual to most, eagle-eyed fans of the pop icon immediately took notice. Zoomed-in photos began circulating online, with users on X (formerly Twitter) commenting with excitement and curiosity. One fan wrote, "HELLO IS THAT THE ERAS TOUR BOOK???" while another chimed in, "Travis misses eras tour just as much as us." A third fan speculated, "He is probably bringing an autograph copy to someone at the gym. " The Eras Tour Book, which commemorates Swift's record-shattering 149-show global tour from March 2023 to December 2024, remains a treasured keepsake for fans. Its appearance in Kelce's possession speaks volumes about how intertwined the couple's worlds have become. After all, Kelce was no mere spectator during Swift's tour—he famously flew around the world to support her, even making a surprise onstage appearance during her Wembley Stadium performance in London. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Giao dịch CFD với công nghệ và tốc độ tốt hơn IC Markets Tìm hiểu thêm Undo Now in his offseason following the Chiefs' Super Bowl LIX loss to the Philadelphia Eagles, Kelce seems to be enjoying a slower pace. He's been frequently spotted in Florida, away from the team's voluntary OTAs in Missouri. But even in relaxation mode, Kelce is making headlines—especially when it involves Taylor Swift. Power couple moments keep stacking up for Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Over the weekend, the couple attended a wedding for Kelce's cousin, Tanner Corum, held in a Nashville barnhouse. According to witnesses, Swift turned heads with her surprise appearance, adding another memorable moment to their already high-profile relationship. The couple was described as 'smitten,' continuing their streak of public appearances that fans can't get enough of. And the Swift-Kelce buzz didn't stop there. Kelce recently liked Swift's Instagram post about her reclaiming ownership of her first six albums, a milestone moment in her music career. Even teammate Patrick Mahomes and his wife Brittany celebrated the news, sharing the post on their own social media accounts with admiration. Also Read: Travis Kelce skips Chiefs training camp to stay with Taylor Swift after wedding rumors, sparking NFL controversy With gestures both big and small, it's becoming clearer that this isn't just a celebrity fling—it's a full-blown power couple era.

From India to Lord's! India bowling legend plays a role in WTC Final
From India to Lord's! India bowling legend plays a role in WTC Final

Time of India

time24 minutes ago

  • Time of India

From India to Lord's! India bowling legend plays a role in WTC Final

Pat Cummins and Temba Bavuma (ICC Photo) NEW DELHI: South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl first against Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Wednesday. With overcast skies looming over London, the conditions looked ideal for South Africa's pace attack to make early inroads. Australia, however, also bring a formidable pace battery into the contest. One of the notable developments for the reigning champions is Marnus Labuschagne stepping into the role of opener for the first time in his Test career. "We'll have a bowl first," said Bavuma at the toss. "The surface looks a good one, with solid overhead conditions. "I'm happy. It's too late now for anything else. We've selected the best team for the conditions." Reflecting on the occasion, he added: "It's (a) massive (occasion). I think all of us have some sort of allegiance to Lord's. It should be a spectacle of a game." Australia skipper Pat Cummins remained unfazed by the conditions and was content with his side batting first. "There's a few clouds but that's not unusual for England," he said. "It's dry and might turn later in the match. "I don't think there's any extra pressure (as defending champions). We've been here before and won it. This week is about enjoying it." Indian bowling legend Javagal Srinath officiated the high-stakes clash as the match referee. Both teams confirmed their playing XIs a day earlier. For Australia, all-rounder Beau Webster retains his spot at number six, while the experienced Josh Hazlewood has been selected ahead of Scott Boland in the pace department. South Africa have slotted all-rounder Wiaan Mulder at number three, and opted for Lungi Ngidi over Dane Paterson — despite Paterson's recent county stint with Middlesex giving him local experience. Meanwhile, Kagiso Rabada returns to the Test fold, playing his first match since serving a one-month ban earlier this year following a positive test for cocaine. South Africa are chasing their first major ICC trophy since clinching the Knockout (now known as the Champions Trophy) in 1998. In contrast, Australia, the current top-ranked side and 2023 WTC champions, have a rich history of success in white-ball tournaments. TEAMS AUSTRALIA : Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Cameron Green, Steve Smith, Travis Head, Beau Webster, Alex Carey (wkt), Pat Cummins (capt), Mitchell Starc, Nathan Lyon, Josh Hazlewood SOUTH AFRICA : Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Temba Bavuma (capt), Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wkt), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi UMPIRES : Chris Gaffaney (NZL), Richard Illingworth (ENG) TV UMPIRE : Richard Kettleborough (ENG) MATCH REFEREE : Javagal Srinath (IND)

WTC Final: South Africa Opt To Bowl First Against Australia Under Overcast Sky
WTC Final: South Africa Opt To Bowl First Against Australia Under Overcast Sky

News18

time44 minutes ago

  • News18

WTC Final: South Africa Opt To Bowl First Against Australia Under Overcast Sky

Last Updated: Australia captain Pat Cummins has no qualms batting first in the ICC World Test Championship final. South Africa captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bowl first against Australia in the World Test Championship final at Lord's on Wednesday. The overcast conditions in London were expected to favour South Africa's fast bowlers, with reigning champions Australia also fielding a formidable pace attack. Australia's Marnus Labuschagne is set to open for the first time in his Test career, immediately stepping into the action. 'We'll have a bowl first," Bavuma said at the toss. 'The surface looks good, with solid overhead conditions. I'm happy. It's too late now for any changes. We've selected the best team for these conditions. It's a massive occasion. I think all of us have some sort of allegiance to Lord's. It should be a spectacular game." Australia captain Pat Cummins expressed contentment with batting first. 'There are a few clouds, but that's not unusual for England," he said. 'It's dry and might turn later in the match. I don't think there's any extra pressure as defending champions. We've been here before and won it. This week is about enjoying it." Both teams announced their line-ups on Tuesday. Allrounder Beau Webster retains his position at number six in the Australian team, with the experienced Josh Hazlewood preferred over Scott Boland in the pace attack. South Africa named allrounder Wiaan Mulder at number three and selected Lungi Ngidi over Dane Paterson, despite Paterson's familiarity with Lord's conditions from playing for Middlesex this season. South Africa aims to win their first major trophy since lifting the ICC Knockout, the predecessor to the Champions Trophy, in 1998. The top-ranked Australians, who defeated India in the 2023 WTC final, have multiple white-ball trophies to their name. With AFP Inputs First Published:

DOWNLOAD THE APP

Get Started Now: Download the App

Ready to dive into the world of global news and events? Download our app today from your preferred app store and start exploring.
app-storeplay-store
WTC Final: Usman Khawaja addresses retirement plans; clears air around Australia's opening conundrum