Usman Khawaja’s double failure in the WTC 2025 Final may not be the end of his career, but it’s certainly a defining moment
With fans voicing disappointment and questions around form and future, the veteran batter stands at a crossroads.
Whether this match marks the end or merely another chapter in a storied career will depend on both Khawaja’s desire and the selectors’ vision. For now, Australian fans — and perhaps Khawaja himself — are left pondering: was this truly the final curtain call at Lord’s?
Despite Kagiso Rabada’s fiery double strike that removed Khawaja and Green, the stability offered by Smith and Labuschagne has restored order to the innings.
Add to that Pat Cummins’ heroics with the ball and South Africa’s batting fragility, and it paints a picture of a team that is methodically moving toward another WTC title.
The next session will be critical. A few quick wickets and South Africa can claw their way back. But if Australia extend their lead past 200, this final could be decided sooner than expected.
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Usman Khawaja Falters Again in Crucial WTC 2025 Final
Australian opener Usman Khawaja endured another disappointing outing with the bat in the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final against South Africa at Lord’s, London.1
On Day 2, during Australia’s second innings, Khawaja was dismissed for a meager six runs off 23 deliveries.
His dismissal, once again at the hands of Kagiso Rabada, came via a nick to the wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne, compounding a forgettable match for the left-hander who had already bagged a duck in the first innings.
A Test Career in Decline?
Khawaja’s twin failures at such a pivotal moment have reignited debates around his place in the Test side.
With scores of 0 and 6 in the final, and little impact in recent major series, whispers about his future in international cricket are growing louder.
While the opener had enjoyed a career resurgence in 2022 and 2023 with dominant performances in Australia and Pakistan, the last few high-pressure games have exposed technical frailties, especially against world-class fast bowlers like Jasprit Bumrah and Rabada.
They all have names. And parents… https://t.co/jRWXZFCRWc
— Usman Khawaja (@Uz_Khawaja) April 7, 2025
Kagiso Rabada – The Khawaja Nemesis
South African speedster Kagiso Rabada has now dismissed Khawaja in both innings of this WTC final.
In the first, Rabada produced a vicious delivery that nipped away, catching the edge and sending the batter back for a 20-ball duck.
In the second innings, it was a near-identical story — good length, late movement, and Khawaja edging behind.
Rabada’s control and aggression proved too much for the Australian opener, who looked tentative and uncertain against the moving ball.
This repeat performance from Rabada not only tilted the game in South Africa’s favor but also highlighted a growing vulnerability in Khawaja’s game against elite pace attacks, particularly in foreign conditions.
Usman Khawaja: Social Media Turns Hostile
“Time to Retire”
The cricketing world can be unforgiving, and social media users weren’t pulling punches after Khawaja’s second failure.2
On platform X (formerly Twitter), fans expressed frustration and disappointment, with several suggesting this match should mark the end of his Test career.
One user wrote:
“Btw Usman Khawaja should retire. If you can’t battle the best, then you shouldn’t be playing at the highest level. It was Bumrah then and it was Rabada now.”
Another added:
“Usman Khawaja just played his last Test innings of his international career.”
A more reflective post read:
“Probably the last Test inning of Usman Khawaja. Thank you Khawaja for all the services for Australia.”
These reactions echo a growing sentiment that the opener’s time may be up, especially with younger talent pushing for a spot in the national setup.
Teammates and Experts React: Silence or Support?
Interestingly, the Australian dressing room has remained largely silent on Khawaja’s twin failures.
Captain Pat Cummins, during the post-day presser, chose to focus on team strategy and declined to comment on individual performances.
Former cricketers like Ricky Ponting and Mark Waugh have in the past defended Khawaja’s selection, pointing to his technique and composure, but as of now, no public support has emerged after this final.
This silence could signal a shift in team dynamics — where sentiment takes a back seat to performance, especially in a transition phase.
If indeed this was Khawaja’s final Test innings, there’s a poetic touch to it ending at Lord’s, the home of cricket — the same venue where he scored his maiden Test half-century.
While the farewell wasn’t scripted with runs and applause, the legacy he leaves behind is significant: over 5000 Test runs, a batting average above 40, and multiple memorable innings for Australia.
Usman Khawaja’s Test Journey
Usman Khawaja’s Test career has been anything but linear. After debuting in the 2011 Ashes series, he faced multiple selections and omissions before cementing his place during the 2021–22 Ashes.3
His twin centuries in the Sydney Test of 2022 were career-defining and seemed to have reignited his international journey.
However, inconsistency and struggles overseas — particularly in England and India — have persisted. While Khawaja has a stellar Test average on home soil, his returns diminish drastically on foreign pitches.
This performance pattern raises questions about his utility in overseas tours and high-stakes matches like the WTC final.
Australia’s Selection Dilemma
If Australia are to phase out Khawaja, the question remains — who replaces him? The country’s domestic circuit has several promising openers, including Marcus Harris, Matthew Renshaw, and Will Pucovski, although each comes with their own set of challenges.
Khawaja’s experience, temperament, and ability to anchor innings in favorable conditions have long been his strengths, but age and waning form might now outweigh those positives.
The Australian selectors, led by George Bailey, face a tough call. Do they continue with a veteran hoping for a rebound or invest in a younger talent with an eye toward the future?
End of the Road or Just a Blip?
There’s no official word from either Cricket Australia or Khawaja himself about retirement.
The 38-year-old is known for his resilience and may well aim to finish on a high in a home series rather than on a sour note in England. However, performance in finals matters, and failing twice in the most important match of the cycle will be hard to overlook.
For a player of his stature, who’s seen highs and lows in nearly a 15-year international career, the question isn’t just about ability but also about timing — when is the right moment to bow out?
What Next for Khawaja?
Should he step away from the Test arena, Khawaja is expected to continue playing Sheffield Shield cricket and potentially take up commentary or mentoring roles.
He’s a respected voice in the game and has been an advocate for diversity and inclusion in Australian cricket. His off-field contributions are as valuable as his on-field ones.
In terms of the immediate future, it remains to be seen whether he’ll make himself available for upcoming Test tours or formally announce retirement in a press conference.
While Khawaja’s form has come under scrutiny, Australia’s overall top-order has been shaky throughout the WTC final. David Warner is already retired, and Marnus Labuschagne and Steve Smith have lacked consistency.
The transition phase that Australian cricket is heading into may require bold moves, including phasing out veterans and building a new batting core.
Also Read: Kagiso Rabada Ban Sparks Outrage: Former Cricketer Takes Aim at Australia Before WTC Final
Usman Khawaja: South Africa’s Fragile Batting Exposed Again
South Africa’s first innings was a reminder of their long-standing issues with batting consistency in red-ball cricket.
Despite having experienced players like Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, and Verreynne, the Proteas once again failed to put up a substantial total in a pressure situation.
Bedingham’s gritty 45 was the lone bright spot in a disappointing card. The right-hander showed resilience and patience but received little support from the other end.
Bavuma’s 36 was valuable, but his dismissal just as he was beginning to accelerate left South Africa in further trouble.
The lower order folded without a fight, with the tail unable to cope with Australia’s relentless bowling. The team’s inability to post at least 200 has left them chasing the game from very early on.
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Australia’s First Innings Advantage
Australia’s first innings total of 212 may not have seemed commanding at first glance, but it has proven to be a significant lead given South Africa’s collapse.
With no batter reaching a half-century, Australia built their total through steady contributions from the middle and lower order.
Alex Carey’s 39 and Pat Cummins’ valuable 27 not out ensured that Australia crossed 200, which in the context of this match, could be match-defining. The bowlers then took over and built on that modest lead with ruthless efficiency.
Battle of the Skippers: Cummins vs. Bavuma
In terms of leadership, Pat Cummins has outshone his South African counterpart Temba Bavuma thus far.
While Bavuma’s decisions, particularly in bowling changes and field placements, have drawn criticism, Cummins has been astute and aggressive, making things happen even when conditions have been flat.
With the ball in hand, Cummins led by example, whereas Bavuma, despite a decent innings with the bat, couldn’t rally his bowlers effectively after they dismissed Australia cheaply in the first innings.
The difference in tactical awareness and execution between the two skippers has been stark, and unless Bavuma can inspire a turnaround, Cummins looks set to guide Australia to another ICC triumph.
Usman Khawaja: Pitch Report and Conditions
The pitch at Lord’s has provided plenty of assistance to fast bowlers. There has been visible seam movement, variable bounce, and a bit of swing under the clouds.
Batting has not been easy, with the new ball being particularly threatening.
Given these conditions, anything around 250-300 in the fourth innings would be a daunting chase.
That’s why the current Australian lead of 106 (and counting) already looks significant. If Labuschagne and Smith extend their partnership, the match could slip away from South Africa very quickly.
What South Africa Needs to Do to Get Back
The only way for South Africa to fight their way back into the match is through an inspired bowling performance in the final session of Day 2 and early on Day 3.
Rabada will need support from Marco Jansen, Anrich Nortje, and Keshav Maharaj, especially if the ball gets softer.
They must find a way to pick up quick wickets and restrict Australia’s second innings lead to under 200. Anything beyond that will make a fourth-innings chase incredibly difficult, given the psychological and physical toll already exerted.
Australia Eyeing Championship Glory
Australia, having already clinched the WTC title in 2023, are looking to defend their crown and assert their dominance in red-ball cricket.
With Smith and Labuschagne still at the crease and more batting to come, they are in pole position to post a match-winning lead.
If Cummins and his bowlers continue to fire, it’s hard to see how South Africa can stage a comeback from here. The Proteas will need a historic effort with the bat in the fourth innings, but based on recent performances, such a turnaround appears unlikely.
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