Usman Khawaja, the veteran Australian batter, has declared that he will retire from international cricket following the fifth Ashes Test against England at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The 39-year-old made the announcement at a press conference with his family by his side, informing his teammates of the decision on Friday morning.

Khawaja's career concludes where it began, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, where he made his debut in 2011 against the same opponent, England. His final match will be his 88th Test, capping off a career defined by perseverance.

Khawaja expressed his gratitude, stating that cricket had given him more than he could have imagined: "God, through cricket, has given me far more than I could have imagined. He's given me memories I'll carry forever, friendship that goes well beyond the game, and lessons that shaped me, who I am, off the field". He also acknowledged the support he received throughout his career, particularly from his parents, for their sacrifices.

Khawaja's future had been a topic of discussion leading up to the final Test of the Ashes series. He missed the first Test due to back spasms and the Brisbane Test due to injury. He was initially left out of the Adelaide Test, but Steve Smith's vertigo allowed him to return. A score of 82 in the first innings ensured his place in the fourth Test in Melbourne.

Khawaja also addressed the racism he faced throughout his career. "I'm a proud Muslim, coloured boy from Pakistan who was told that he would never play for the Australian cricket team. Look at me now. And you can do the same," Khawaja stated. He hopes his journey inspires those who feel different or like they don't belong.

Khawaja immigrated to Australia from Islamabad as a child and battled to become the country's first Pakistan-born and first Muslim national player. He becomes only the second player in the past decade to retire while still in the Australian Test team, following David Warner's exit two summers ago.