Ashes 2025-26: Pat Cummins makes special request to Usman Khawaja ahead of farewell Test in Sydney
As Australia prepare the last chapter of Ashes 2025-2026 series, emotions are running high in the local camp with Usman Khawaja ready to play his last international match. Ahead of the fifth Test at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, Australia captain Patrick Cummins shared a heartfelt message for his longtime teammate, making a special request that perfectly captures the sentiment surrounding Khawaja’s swan song.
Message from Pat Cummins on Usman Khawaja’s departure
Pat Cummins, who leads Australia in Tests and ODIs, took to social media to congratulate Khawaja on his stellar international career. Alongside his post, Cummins shared a photo showing the couple and expressed a simple but powerful wish: for Khawaja to sign another century in his home place.
“Congratulations on an incredible career mate. Another century to go at home,” Cummins wrote, echoing the hopes of fans and teammates as Australia prepare for an emotional farewell.
The circle is closed at the SCG
The Sydney Test holds deep significance for Khawaja. It was on the same ground in 2011 that he made his Test debut against England in the Ashes series, coming on after Ricky Ponting was ruled out through injury. Nearly 15 years later, Khawaja would leave the SCG again, this time knowing that it would be his last appearance in international cricket.
Statistically, Sydney is Khawaja’s fortress. He amassed 875 runs in nine Tests at the venue, averaging 87.50, with four centuries and half-centuries to his name. Few Australian batters have enjoyed such historic on-field dominance, making Cummins’ request far from unrealistic.
Also READ: Usman Khawaja announces retirement from international cricket, SCG Test will be his final bow
The comeback that defined Usman’s legacy
One of the defining moments of Khawaja’s career also happened in Sydney. During the 2021-22 Ashes series, he returned to the Test side after over two years of absence and announced himself in a big way by scoring two centuries at the SCG. This performance revived his international career and laid the foundations for a prolific two-year career at the highest level.
Khawaja carried this form overseas, playing a crucial role in Australia’s memorable 2-2 Ashes draw in England in 2023. He finished that series as the top run-scorer with 496 runs, underlining his importance at the top of the order.
Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Shoaib Bashir returns as England reveal squad for SCG Test
