Ashes 2025-26: 'Don't think he needs advice, he's 38' - Marnus Labuschagne backs Usman Khawaja to overturn lean patch

Marnus Labuschagne has urged the critics to avoid offering advice to Usman Khawaja as the latter battles a dip in form in Test cricket. Barring the 232-run knock in January, Khawaja has not crossed 50entury in the remaining 13 Test innings in 2025.

Labuschagne pointed out Khwaja's age and experience in international cricket and credited the manner in which the left-handed batter has adapted over a period of time.

"I don't think he needs advice, he's 38, he's been around the block a long time. He's an amazing player and the way he's gone about his game, the way he's gone from a No. 3, 4 and then opened the batting and the way he's done that, navigated some tricky scenarios. He's just been awesome," stated Labuschagne, as quoted by India Today.

The 31-year-old highlighted Khawaja's Test numbers and reckoned that the media must not speculate when he should hang his boots.

"I think the most important thing is the team comes first at any stage. Taking nothing away and he's an amazing player, he's been an amazing player, 85 Tests averaging 45 [43.56] for Australia all around the world, the way he's played, he's amazing. But that's not up to me (whether he should decide when he gets to finish) and it's not up to any of us," he added.

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Speaking of the ongoing Ashes, Australia emerged victorious by eight wickets in the series-opening clash in Perth within two complete days of play. The second Test will be a pink-ball affair in Brisbane.The match is scheduled to get underway on Thursday, December 4. 

The hosts have announced an unchanged squad. A lot of eyes will be on Khawaja and how he performs as the Aussies will be keen o extending their lead.