Usman Khawaja set to become Australia's oldest Test cricketer in over 2 decades
Veteran opener Usman Khawaja is set to achieve a unique landmark during the 2024-25 Border Gavaskar Trophy against India later this year - becoming Australia's oldest Test cricketer in over two decades. Khawaja turns 38 on December 18 when Australia will complete the third of the five Tests at the Gabba in Brisbane.
The southpaw will join former Australian captains Steve Waugh and Allan Border as the only ones to play Tests for Australia after their 38th birthday.
Despite boasting a stellar Test record of 5,451 runs at an average of 45.80, the road hasn't always been smooth sailing for Khawaja. Debuting in 2011, the Pakistan-born cricketer endured a poor first two seasons in 2011 and 2013.
Khawaja finally settled into the Test side after excellent performances in 2015 and 2016 but another sub-par strectch in 2019 saw him being dropped. However, he returned during the 2021-2022 Ashes and hasn't looked back.
With 2,564 runs, Khawaja has the most runs for Australia since turning 35 and is the reigning ICC Men's Test Cricketer of the Year. Since his return in 2022, Khawaja has scored 2,564 runs at an average of 53.41 with seven centuries and 12 half-centuries.
"This definitely feels like one of the strongest teams we’ve had for a while" - Usman Khawaja
Usman Khawaja felt the current Australian Test side is their strongest over the past few years as they brace up for the Indian challenge at home in November.
While Australia are the holders of the World Test Championship (WTC) trophy after upstaging India in last year's final, they have struggled in bilateral Test series against the Men in Blue. India have defeated the Aussies in the last four Border-Gavaskar Trophies, including two in Australia in 2018/19 and 2020-21.
Khawaja recently spoke to Fox Cricket about the upcoming India series and said:
"This definitely feels like one of the strongest teams we’ve had for a while. We’ve been playing some really good cricket, but India’s team is very good too, which is why everyone’s so excited to watch the No. 1 and No. 2 teams going at it. This Australian team is very settled. It’s been strong for a while. There’s no excuses, whoever wins is most likely the best team in the world. I think we’re in the best position we’ve been in a while to take India on."
Khawaja has historically struggled against in Tests, averaging only 34 in 17 innings with a lone century and three half-centuries.
India and Australia currently occupy the top two spots in the ongoing WTC cycle that is set to conclude with the finale at Lord's in June 2025.