Australian batsman Usman Khawaja is playing his final Test match at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Khawaja had announced before the fifth and final Test of the Ashes series that this would be his last match. While announcing his retirement, Khawaja also spoke about the harsh criticism he had faced. Amidst all this, the country's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, posted a special message for Khawaja.
Usman Khawaja had said that he had faced unwarranted criticism on many occasions. He stated that the way and the reasons for which he was criticized were unlike anything any other Australian cricketer had experienced. He hinted that he was targeted because he is Muslim.
The PM delivered a special message
Anthony has praised Khawaja's contributions and said that many will follow in his footsteps. Anthony wrote on X (formerly Twitter), "Usman, thank you for everything you've done for Australia, both on and off the field. You can be incredibly proud of your record, your legacy, and the example you've set for others.
Usman Khawaja has been included in the playing XI for the fifth Test match. England is currently batting in this match, and their score at the end of the first day's play is 211 runs for the loss of three wickets. The first day's play was cut short due to rain.
Usman Khawaja career
Usman Khawaja had scored 6206 runs in 87 Test matches for Australia at an average of 43.1. This included 28 half-centuries and 16 centuries. He has also played 40 One Day Internationals for his country, scoring 1554 runs, including two centuries and 12 half-centuries. Khawaja has also played nine T20 matches for Australia, scoring 241 runs.
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