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Australia set for wholesome changes in 5th Ashes Test ft. Usman Khawaja, Cameron Green

Akshita Patel

Australia to contemplate squad for SCG Test [Source: @TUnlimitedd, @OneCricketApp/X.com]Australia to contemplate squad for SCG Test [Source: @TUnlimitedd, @OneCricketApp/X.com]

Usman Khawaja will play the Sydney Test despite growing questions around his future. Australia coach Andrew McDonald has shut down retirement speculation ahead of the final Ashes 2025 match scheduled at Sydney. 

While Khawaja’s place is secure, pressure is mounting elsewhere in the batting line-up as selectors weigh form, intent and balance with crucial World Test Championship points on the line.

Usman Khawaja isn’t stepping down anytime soon

Meanwhile, Usman Khawaja, who recently turned 39, has been at the centre of outside chatter mainly because Australia won’t play another Test for eight months after Sydney. 

However, head coach Andrew McDonald made it clear that no such discussion has taken place internally. According to him, Khawaja has given no indication of stepping away and remains an automatic pick for the SCG Test. 

"We've been really clear that we haven't had a conversation. The speculation has been from the external. He's with his family at the moment, having a couple of days off. We'll build into Sydney, and we're always having conversations about where players are at and speaking directly with players. And there's no indication at my end that he's calling it in Sydney," McDonald told reporters.

The opener missed early matches due to back spasms but made valuable contributions on his return, including important runs in Adelaide and Melbourne on difficult pitches. 

Cameron Green under scrutiny too

The bigger concerns lie with Cameron Green and Marnus Labuschagne. Green’s Ashes has been a struggle with the bat, and his role has constantly shifted. 

He has batted in five different positions across his last five Tests, something McDonald admitted was due to Green not locking down a spot with consistent runs. 

"People are going to debate selection. They're going to debate where Cameron's at at this point in time and how he fits. And Beau, I think he's averaged 34 and did some handy bits and bobs with the ball for us as well. So we know we've got a quality player sitting there waiting. We've got a batting order that we'd like to think can function at a higher capacity. So we'll be having conversations leading into Sydney," he added.

His modest scores this series have opened the door for Beau Webster, who is firmly in the selection conversation for Sydney after strong returns whenever given opportunities. 

Marnus Labuschagne is under review as well

Not only that, Marnus Labuschagne’s form has also come under the microscope. While he started the series well, his scoring rate has dropped sharply in the last two Tests. 

Andrew McDonald pointed out that when Labuschagne loses intent and becomes overly defensive, he tends to put himself under pressure. 

"I think there's periods of time where he goes back into his shell and really trusts his defence. And I think within that creates a little bit of error in his game, and he's working on it. But we think it's a mindset piece and his intent to score, and if he does that he's at his best and we've had those conversations, even at one-day international level in terms of the way he plays, and we've had to drop him a few times on the base basis of lack of intent."

The coaching staff believes it is more of a mindset issue than a technical flaw and wants to see him be more proactive at the crease.

The final Ashes 2025 Test is scheduled at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG) on January 4.