Veteran batsman Usman Khawaja has staged a stunning Test career revival, falling just 18 runs short of a century in a dramatic, last-minute appearance for Australia in the second Ashes Test in Adelaide.
From the sidelines to the spotlight
In a remarkable twist of fate, Khawaja's Test career looked finished when captain Pat Cummins confirmed on Tuesday, 16 December 2025, he would be omitted from the side for the Adelaide match. Having missed the second Test with a back injury, his path back seemed blocked. However, Steve Smith's illness created a sudden vacancy just an hour before play commenced on Wednesday, 17 December, at the Adelaide Oval.
A gritty innings under pressure
Khawaja, who turns 39 on Thursday, 18 December, walked to the crease with Australia in a precarious position at 2-33. He was given an early life when dropped at slip by England's Harry Brook when on just five. The left-hander then expertly steadied the innings, showcasing his experience as wickets fell around him. He was at the non-striker's end when Jofra Archer dismissed both Marnus Labuschagne and Cam Green in the first three balls after lunch, but he rebuilt the innings in a vital 91-run partnership with wicketkeeper Alex Carey.
His knock of 82 finally ended late in the second session when he was caught in the deep pulling a delivery from England spinner Will Jacks. He departed with the score at 5-185, having provided the backbone of Australia's first-day total.
Future selection headaches loom
This defiant innings throws Australia's batting order into fresh debate ahead of the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. While Smith is expected to be fit, Khawaja's performance creates a significant selection dilemma. Coach Andrew McDonald had previously mentioned the possibility of recalling Khawaja to the middle order, even before Smith fell ill. This knock could now put pressure on West Australian batsman Josh Inglis, who replaced Khawaja at the crease following his dismissal.
This was Khawaja's highest Test score since his mammoth 232 against Sri Lanka in February and his best on home soil since a 90 against Pakistan in Perth in December 2023. His Adelaide fightback proves the veteran still has plenty to offer at the highest level, turning a day of personal uncertainty into one of triumphant resilience.
