It’s been a very Merry Christmas for the Australian Test team with Ashes success well ‘urned’, but the new year shapes as being a testing time.

There are key decisions to be made on and off the field if Australia are to remain an on-field force, while improving a bottom line which tumbled to a net deficit of $11.3 million over the past financial year is also a must.

We take a look at what the future holds for Australian cricket in 2026.

What happens next: Usman Khawaja’s future will be a topic of discussion for Australian coach and selector Andrew McDonald.Credit: Getty Images

Adelaide must have been an emotional rollercoaster for the 39-year-old, who declared himself fit, then was overlooked for selection, only to make a dramatic late entrance at No.4 when Steve Smith was ruled out due to vertigo. Khawaja’s knocks of 82 and 40 showed he still has the game, and he has yet to publicly declare any intention to retire. However, the selectors will need to make the tough call after Sydney. It’s time for Travis Head and Jake Weatherald to be given time to mature together at the top of the order.

Further to the Khawaja question, the selectors have more decisions to make or, at least, seriously debate, although there is an eight-month break from the........

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