[WATCH] Ashes 2025-26: Usman Khawaja’s wife tears up as cricketer walks back for final time in international cricket

The Sydney Cricket Ground witnessed one of the most emotional moments on Thursday, as Usman Khawaja walked out to bat for the final time in international cricket during the fifth Ashes Test of the 2025-26 series. 

Australia entered the Sydney Test with the Ashes already secured but hoped to finish strongly. Having dominated the series, they carried a 3–1 lead into the final game. The SCG, where Khawaja made his Test debut in 2011 and revived his career with twin hundreds in 2022, was chosen as the ground

for his final act. Khawaja himself admitted the emotions were heavy, even before he took guard.

However, his innings was short-lived, facing Josh Tongue, Khawaja attempted to punch a short-of-a-length delivery outside off. The ball came back, took an inside edge, and crashed into the stumps as he walked back, scoring just six runs.

While walking back, Khawaja removed his helmet and began the long walk back to the pavilion as the SCG stood applauding. He waved his bat to every corner of the ground, blew a flying kiss, and knelt to kiss the turf. In the stands, his wife was visibly in tears. Joe Root was among the first to shake his hand and congratulate him for his contribution.

Watch the video below:

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

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

Earlier, as the southpaw walked out to the middle for Australia’s fourth-innings chase, the entire SCG stood up to applaud the cricketer. England’s players and the umpires formed a guard of honour, acknowledging his career, and Marnus Labuschagne greeted him with a hug. Meanwhile, Australia completed the chase to win the Sydney Test by five wickets, sealing the Ashes series 4-1. Notably, Travis Head was named the Player of the Match, and pacer Mitchell Starc earned the Player of the Series title.