Steven Smith has paid a heartfelt tribute to long-time teammate Usman Khawaja, recalling their early days in New South Wales age-group cricket and praising the journey that has led to Khawaja’s final Test appearance in the Ashes finale at the SCG. As Australia prepares for life after Khawaja, Smith also hinted at his own intentions to help guide the team through an important transition phase.
Smith’s Early Memories and Praise for Khawaja’s Career
Smith revealed that he knew Khawaja was special from the moment he saw him bat as a teenager. Playing against him in Under-17 vs Under-19 matches for New South Wales, Smith was struck by how quickly Khawaja picked up length, especially his ability to pull balls from around the top of the stumps.
According to Smith, that skill has been a constant throughout Khawaja’s career and a key reason for his success at the highest level. He described Khawaja’s long progression as “outstanding,” noting that few players manage to sustain performance across 15 years of Test cricket and still retire on their own terms.
Smith also reflected on Khawaja’s difficult early years in international cricket, when he was dropped from the Test side multiple times. Those setbacks, particularly in the subcontinent during Smith’s tenure as captain, proved pivotal. At the time, selectors felt Khawaja struggled against spin, but the experience forced him to adapt.
The results were remarkable. Before 2018, Khawaja averaged just 14.62 in Asia. From his standout series in Dubai onwards, he transformed into one of Australia’s most reliable players of spin, averaging over 80 across 13 Tests. Smith suggested those omissions may have been a “blessing in disguise,” helping Khawaja develop new defensive and attacking methods such as sweeping and reverse sweeping.
Australia’s Transition and Smith’s Future Role
Khawaja’s retirement signals the beginning of a transition for an ageing Australian Test side, but Smith made it clear that he has no plans to step away just yet. With up to 21 Tests scheduled in an intense 11-month period—including the push towards the next World Test Championship final and the 2027 Ashes in England—Smith sees value in maintaining experience within the squad.
He acknowledged that losing multiple senior players at once would not be ideal and reiterated that there is “no real end date” in mind for his own career. Smith said he is still enjoying his cricket and is motivated to help younger players understand the demands of Test cricket.
Smith also addressed recent commentary around Khawaja’s preparation and injury issues, calling criticism about his routines—particularly claims surrounding a golf game before a Test—unfair. He emphasized that Khawaja prepared the same way throughout his career and that isolated injuries should not define his professionalism.
Having captained Australia in four of the five Ashes Tests due to Pat Cummins’ absence, Smith said he remains relaxed about leading the side again if required, while also being open to selectors backing younger leadership options.
With Australia well placed for another World Test Championship final, Smith credited the team’s recent success to shared contributions rather than reliance on a few individuals. As one of the senior figures remaining, he hopes to play a mentoring role during the next phase of Australian Test cricket, ensuring continuity as the team evolves beyond the Khawaja era.
