Usman Khawaja Completes 8,000 International Runs In Boxing Day Ashes Test

Australian veteran opener Usman Khawaja achieved a significant milestone during the fourth Ashes Test against England on Boxing Day, December 26, 2025, at the iconic Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The 39-year-old left-hander completed 8,000 international runs while batting in the first innings, becoming the 19th Australian to reach this landmark across all formats. Khawaja, who has been battling age, fitness concerns, and competition from emerging talents, reached the milestone during a gritty knock before being dismissed for 29 off 52 balls (including two fours), caught behind by Jamie Smith off Gus Atkinson.

Khawaja's overall international record stands at 8,001 runs from 136 matches at an average of 42.55, featuring 18 centuries and 41 fifties. The majority of his runs have come in Test cricket, where he has amassed 6,206 runs in 87 tests at an average of 43.70, including 16 centuries and a highest score of 232. He has also enjoyed a solid ODI career with 1,554 runs in 40 matches at an average of 42.00 (two centuries, 12 fifties), while in nine T20Is, he has scored 241 runs at a strike rate of 132.41. In the ongoing Ashes series, Khawaja has scored 153 runs in four innings at an average of 38.25, highlighted by an unbeaten 82 in the Adelaide Test on his 39th birthday.

The Boxing Day Test began with England winning the toss and opting to bowl first on a lively MCG pitch. Australia’s new opening pair of Travis Head and Jake Weatherald started cautiously but soon found rhythm, with Head smashing two boundaries in the sixth over off Brydon Carse. However, England struck back quickly: Gus Atkinson dismissed Head (12) in the fifth over, followed by Josh Tongue removing Weatherald (10), Marnus Labuschagne (6), and Steve Smith (5) in a devastating spell. Australia slumped to 51/4 by the 19th over, with the top order back in the pavilion within the first hour of play.

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Usman Khawaja and wicketkeeper-batsman Alex Carey steadied the innings, guiding Australia to 72/4 at the end of the morning session, with Khawaja unbeaten on 21 and Carey on 9. The partnership provided some resistance after a top-order collapse, giving Australia hope of recovery on a day when the home side desperately needed stability. Khawaja’s milestone adds to his legacy as one of Australia’s most dependable modern Test batsmen, even as questions linger about his long-term future amid emerging competition.

The Boxing Day Test continues to unfold with high stakes in the Ashes series. England, already unable to retain the urn, showed aggressive intent with the ball, while Australia will look to build on the Khawaja-Carey stand in the afternoon session. Fans at the packed MCG and viewers worldwide witnessed a moment of personal triumph for the veteran amid a challenging team performance. Stay tuned for live updates as the match progresses on this historic day of cricket.

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