Former Australia batter Michael Hussey has turned down an approach to become England’s Test batting coach and will instead take up a part-time consultancy role with Cricket Australia, according to The Guardian. Hussey was considered for a role in England’s Test setup under head coach Stephen Fleming.
England recently took a 2-0 lead in their three-match Test series against Pakistan, with the final Test set to be played at Edgbaston. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is working to complete Fleming’s coaching staff ahead of upcoming tours of South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia before the 2027 Ashes.
Michael Hussey Chooses Cricket Australia Over England Test Role
Michael Hussey opted for a part-time consultancy role with Cricket Australia instead of becoming England’s Test batting coach. The 51-year-old held talks with Stephen Fleming last month but chose the Australia role because it gives him more flexibility to manage his coaching and broadcasting commitments.
Hussey can continue his work in franchise cricket and The Hundred. He served as Welsh Fire’s head coach this year and remains involved with Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as their batting coach. The former cricketer will also continue his commentary and punditry work with Fox Cricket.
Hussey already has a connection with England, having worked as a part-time consultant during their successful 2022 T20 World Cup campaign. He also knows Fleming well after spending many years with him at Chennai Super Kings, first as a player and later as a coach.
Michael Hussey’s Decision Leaves Stephen Fleming Searching for Batting Coach
Following Michael Hussey’s decision, Stephen Fleming must continue his search for a Test batting coach. The England and Wales Cricket Board can look at external candidates, but former England opener Marcus Trescothick remains an option after taking charge of the batting group on a caretaker basis.
Trescothick has impressed during England’s ongoing Test series against Pakistan. England won the first Test at Headingley by an innings and 103 runs before securing a 194-run victory at Lord’s to take a 2-0 lead in the three-match series.
If England decide to retain Trescothick with the Test team, the ECB could appoint another coach to oversee batting development. This would allow the board to maintain continuity while strengthening its coaching structure ahead of a busy international schedule.
Michael Hussey Adds Experience to Australia’s Ashes Plans
Michael Hussey brings considerable international experience to Cricket Australia’s setup. He played 79 Tests, 185 ODIs and 38 T20Is for Australia, scoring 6,235 Test runs at an average of 51.52. He also played a key role in Australia’s 2007 ODI World Cup-winning campaign.
Since retiring from international cricket in 2013, Hussey has built extensive coaching experience through franchise cricket and national assignments. His work with different teams and players gives Australia another experienced voice.
The 2027 Ashes series will begin at Trent Bridge in Nottingham on June 18. The part-time arrangement ensures Hussey can seamlessly support the Australia national cricket team's preparations for the marquee series without abandoning his existing coaching and broadcasting roles.
