Ashes 2025-26: Pat Cummins makes a special request to Usman Khawaja ahead of his farewell test in Sydney

If Australia prepare for the final chapter of the Ashes 2025–26 series, emotions run high in the home camp Usman Khawaja ready to play his last international match. Ahead of the fifth Test at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground, Australian captain Pat Cummins shared a heartfelt message for his old teammate, with a special request that perfectly captured the sentiment surrounding Khawaja’s swan song.

Message from Pat Cummins for an outgoing Usman Khawaja

Pat Cummins, who leads Australia in both Tests and ODIs, took to social media to congratulate Khawaja on a distinguished international career. Along with his message, Cummins shared a photo of the pair and expressed a simple yet powerful wish: that Khawaja would mark another century at his home venue.

“Congratulations on an incredible career mate. One century to go,” Cummins wrote, echoing the hopes of fans and teammates alike as Australia brace for an emotional farewell.

A full circle moment at the SCG

The Sydney Test holds great significance for Khawaja. It was at the same ground in 2011 that he made his Test debut against England during the Ashes series, stepping in after Ricky Ponting was ruled out through injury. Almost fifteen years later, Khawaja will once again leave the SCG knowing that this will be his last appearance in international cricket.

Statistically, Sydney is Khawaja’s fortress. He has amassed 875 runs from nine Tests at the venue, at an average of 87.50, with four and a half centuries to his name. Few Australian batsmen have enjoyed such dominance on historic grounds, making Cummins’ request far from unrealistic.

Also READ: Usman Khawaja announces retirement from international cricket, SCG Test will be his final bow

The comeback that defined Usman’s legacy

One of the defining moments in Khawaja’s career also took place in Sydney. During the Ashes 2021-2022 series, he returned to the Test side after more than two years away and announced himself in emphatic fashion by scoring two centuries at the SCG. That performance revived his international career and laid the foundation for a fruitful two years at the top level.

Khawaja carried that form into overseas conditions and played a crucial role in Australia’s memorable 2-2 Ashes draw in England in 2023. He finished that series as the leading run-scorer with 496 runs, underscoring his importance at the top of the table.

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Shoaib Bashir returns as England unveil squad for SCG Test