Australian batter Marnus Labuschagne has thrown his support behind opener Usman Khawaja, who is currently battling one of the toughest form slumps of his recent career. Khawaja began 2025 with a monumental 232 against Sri Lanka in Galle, but since then he has managed only one 50-plus score in his last 14 Test innings, accumulating 463 runs this year.
Concerns over the 38-year-old’s form have intensified after he experienced back spasms during the Perth Test against England, forcing him to miss the second innings. Travis Head replaced him at the top and smashed a match-winning century—prompting fresh speculation about whether Head could become a permanent opener for Australia.
Despite the noise surrounding Khawaja’s future, Labuschagne believes the veteran opener is completely capable of resetting and returning to form.
“He doesn’t need advice—he’s 38, he’s been around the block a long time,” Labuschagne said. “He’s an amazing player. The way he has adapted from batting at No.3 and 4 to opening the innings, and handled difficult situations, has been outstanding.”
“Team Comes First”
While Khawaja has openly stated that playing in the Ashes is his minimum target before retirement, Labuschagne stayed away from suggesting that players should choose their own exit timelines.
“The team comes first at any stage,” he said. “He’s been an amazing player—85 Tests, averaging around 45, scoring everywhere in the world. But decisions about when someone finishes aren’t up to teammates.”
Australia will take the field for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane on December 4, with Khawaja’s position under increasing scrutiny.
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