Australia has appointed former batsman Michael Hussey as a consultant coach for the 2027 Ashes series and ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup, and as a T20 advisor for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and T20 World Cup, The Hindu reported. The 51-year-old, known as “Mr Cricket,” was approached by England’s new red-ball coach, Stephen Fleming, but turned down the offer to help his home nation address a batting crisis.
Hussey to Provide Immediate Support
Hussey will begin his consultancy with the upcoming T20I series against England later this month and will also provide coaching assistance during the subsequent four-Test series against New Zealand. This role builds on his previous work with the team, where he has done short secondments as an extra batting consultant in the lead-up to the Perth Test each year. According to Cricinfo, Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald will rest during the T20I series, with assistant coach Andre Borovec taking over, and Hussey will work with Borovec and a young squad.
Extensive Coaching Experience
The appointment comes as Australia looks to improve its batting form following a 2-1 Test series defeat in South Africa. Hussey brings considerable experience, having played more than 300 matches for Australia across all formats. He has a coaching portfolio that includes being part of England’s setup when they won the T20 World Cup in 2022, serving as the Chennai Super Kings’ batting coach under Fleming in the Indian Premier League, and leading Welsh Fire in The Hundred. The Hindu notes that his expertise across multiple formats and countries is considered invaluable.
“I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years,” said Hussey. “This team has achieved so much in recent times, to which I hope I can add value to the coaching and playing groups ahead of what will be an exciting and challenging period.”
Focus on Future Challenges
Australia’s head of national teams, Ben Oliver, stated that Hussey will provide additional T20 support during a heavy schedule of Test cricket over the coming 12 months. The Hindu’s Sportstar reports that Oliver expressed excitement about Hussey expanding his role, highlighting his substantial international experience. McDonald echoed this sentiment, emphasizing that Hussey’s qualities as a person are as valuable as his expertise on the field. Hussey’s major focus will be on the T20 space as Australia prepares for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
