The year 2023 was a dream run for Usman Khawaja in Test cricket as he managed 1210 runs in 13 matches at an average of 52.60. Year 2024 has been nowhere close for Australia's premier opening batter. Having taken off with so much glory from 2023, Khawaja could muster only 415 runs in nine matches and the average went down to as low as 25.93, which is underwhelming for the reputation he holds. As a result, the cricketing fraternity has begun discussions over the possible retirement of the 38-year-old. Adding to that, former Australian skipper Michael Clarke has expressed his opinion that Khawaja should retire from international cricket with the New Year's Test of the ongoing series against India, which is going to be played at Khawaja's home turf, the Sydney Cricket Ground, in Sydney. Here is what Clarke said on the Beyond 23 podcast “This is Uzzie's home Test match, the SCG. He has been an amazing player, absolutely amazing player. Come back in, score runs overseas, score runs in Australia. He is 38 years of age, I think it could be a great opportunity for Uzzie to announce his retirement, and Sydney to be his last Test," “I know he would like to keep playing. His form has not been as good as he would like throughout this series. I know we have got a trip to Sri Lanka, and then we have got the Ashes. There is a lot of cricket in between, but I also think that could be a great opportunity for a new player to come in, open the batting, get some Test match cricket under their belt before the first Ashes Test match," he added. Also Read | Rohit Sharma's Latest Post Sparks Retirement Buzz Khawaja has had a phenomenal Test career, which has lasted for nearly fifteen years so far. In fact, the left-hand batter made his debut during the Sydney Test of the 2010-11 edition of the Ashes, and since then, has represented the Baggy Greens across 77 matches. The Islamabad-born has over 5,592 runs at an impressive career average of 44.38. His outstanding performance was in the 2023 Ashes, in which he orchestrated with the bat for Australia while scoring 496 runs in 10 innings with an average of 49.60. If he does decide to retire after the fifth and final Test against India, Australia will have to go back to the drawing board over his replacements. Nathan McSweeney and Sam Konstas are currently the two contenders for the spot, and either of them should partner with Cameron Green, once the all-rounder returns from injury.