Former Australia skipper Michael Clarke has said that Usman Khawaja will definitely feature in the Ashes finale at SCG, while also predicting that it will be the veteran left-hander’s farewell Test.

During the Ashes opener at Perth, Khawaja sustained back spasms and wasn’t able to open in the first innings due to time spent off the field. His condition deteriorated when he took the field for Australia's second bowling innings, ultimately ending his time in the second Test at Gabba.

The southpaw was not supposed to pick for the third Test, but Steve Smith’s battle with vertigo symptoms paved the way for his inclusion at the last minute. Khawaja produced knocks of 82 and 40 in Australia’s Ashes-clinching win at the Adelaide Oval, thereby retaining his place for the Boxing Day clash in Melbourne.

Ahead of the fifth Test at SCG, speculations are rife that Khawaja will call time on his international career. In fact, Clarke wants the 39-year-old to consider retirement after the contest in Sydney

“I think this will be Usman’s farewell Test. I don’t think it is a token selection; they obviously picked him for Melbourne, so if they have gone that way, you pick him for Sydney as well," Clarke said while speaking to Code Sports.

“But I think he will retire after this Test. Australia will win the series. Hopefully, he goes out with a big score. I would love to see Uz make a hundred at the SCG and walk away on a high because not many people get that opportunity," Clarke added.

After Sydney, Australia’s next Test is scheduled against Bangladesh at home in August 2026. It will be followed by a tour of South Africa, a home series against New Zealand and a tour of India.

With eight months until the next Test assignment, selectors may have to force Usman Khawaja’s hand if he doesn’t make a call on his own. This year, the left-hander failed to leave a big mark with the bat, amassing 614 runs in 10 Tests at an average of 36.11, including one hundred and one fifty.