Carey, Smith, Khawaja among Ashes stars rejoining BBL-15
A number of leading Australian players have made themselves available for selection from January 10.
A number of leading Australian players have made themselves available for selection from January 10.
On the final morning, Khawaja led the Australian team onto the field on Day 5 as his teammates instinctively held back, allowing him to take in the occasion.
With Usman Khawaja set to retire after the Sydney Test and Nathan Lyon already sidelined through injury, Smith is set to become the oldest player in the Australian XI alongside Scott Boland in the Ashes 2025–26 finale.
The 39-year-old will continue to play domestic cricket, representing Brisbane Heat in the Big Bash League and remaining available for Queensland in the Sheffield Shield.
Khawaja, who has recently been the subject of speculation regarding his Test future, is expected to address the media ahead of the Sydney Test.
“There’re no guarantees in cricket...but he doesn't have to do anything different,” Khawaja said.
Test opener Usman Khawaja became the first high-profile cricketer from Australia to express his opinion on Cricket Australia’s refusal to play bilateral cricket with Afghanistan although is sympathetic to the human rights issues for women stemming from the Taliban rule.
"Well done Brother. Better team on the day. You boys are an inspiration for so many back home and abroad. So sad we can't see you all play in Australia," Khawaja posted on X.
Representing the Royal Challengers Bengaluru (RCB), that ended as the fourth best team in the season, Maxwell endured a forgettable campaign with the bat, scoring just 52 runs from 10 matches.
Spitting blood, Khawaja felt his cheekbones and upper jaw before heading out of the arena with medical personnel.
