Usman Khawaja said he hoped his long test career, which will come to an end with his retirement after the fifth Ashes clash, inspires youngsters who are “different” that playing cricket for Australia is possible.
The top order batsman, who turned 39 last month, announced on Friday that he would be retiring from international cricket after his 88th test, which will start at Sydney Cricket Ground on Sunday.
Khawaja made his test debut at the same ground in the final match of the 2010-11 Ashes series and has since scored 6,206 runs at an average of 43.39, including 16 centuries.
More than his runs, however, Khawaja was a standard-bearer for diversity in Australian cricket given he was born in Pakistan before being raised in Sydney from the age of five.
“I hope I’ve inspired many children along the way, particularly those who feel that they are different, those who feel that they don’t belong, or those others tell that they will never make it,” Khawaja told reporters at a press conference.
“I felt all these things growing up and trying to be an Australian cricketer, but seeing is believing. And I’m here to tell you that you can do whatever you want. Just got to keep trying.
“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. You can do the same.”
