Michael Hussey has declined an offer to be England’s Test batting coach and will instead take a part-time consultancy role with Cricket Australia. The former Australian batsman has decided to take a part-time coaching role.
Hussey had been approached by England head coach Stephen Fleming about joining his coaching staff ahead of the 2027 Ashes. However, the former Australian international has remained involved with Australian cricket in a flexible consultancy role.
The decision is a boost for Australia now that they will start preparations for the next Ashes series, and England will now have to search for a permanent Test batting coach.
Hussey Chooses Australia After England Approach
Hussey had been talking to Fleming about joining England's coaching setup. The two have a long history of working together at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
Hussey was already in the news for England because the former Australia batter has already played for the English team. He was part of the England coaching staff when England won T20 World Cup 2022.
Hussey has also decided not to take the full England Test role. He will work with Cricket Australia on a part-time basis, but will remain in Australia and continue to perform other professional duties.
He said the flexibility of the Australian arrangement was an important factor in his decision.
Part-Time Role Gives Australia An Ashes Boost
Hussey’s decision will be especially significant with the next Ashes series due to take place next spring.
Australia and England will meet in the 2027 Ashes series, and England will host the series. Hussey’s experience playing Test cricket against England and knowledge of Australian cricket could make his consultancy role valuable to the team.
He is expected to work alongside Australia's current coaching structure and not replace the team's full-time batting coach. Reports suggest that he will be a consultant with other commitments in franchise cricket and broadcasting.
For Australia, keeping Hussey in its setup also means England has lost the opportunity to bring an experienced Australian batter into its own coaching group for the Ashes.
Why Hussey Turned Down England?
The main issue appears to have been the demands of the England position.
The Test batting coach role would involve travel and a full-time commitment. Hussey already has commitments with franchise cricket and commentary, so the more flexible Australian consultancy could be an ideal fit.
His decision appears to be not so much a rejection of England as a team as to say he is in denial. Hussey has worked with England before and was part of the coaching team that produced the team to win the 2022 T20 World Cup.
The two opportunities are not the sole reason for this choice, but seems to be the structure and demands of the two opportunities.
England Now Needs A Batting Coach
Hussey's decision leaves Fleming looking for another option for England's Test batting setup.
The coaching structure of England's coaching staff is set to be reshaped ahead of the next Ashes. Fleming had been keen to bring Hussey, a close professional connection with the former Australia batsman, into his backroom team and had hoped to bring him into the team.
Marcus Trescothick remains another possibility for the role. He has already worked with England’s Test side and could continue in the position if he is in a caretaker capacity.
England now must decide whether to appoint a new specialist batting coach or keep the current coach from the coaching team.
Hussey's Experience Remains Valuable
Hussey, who has been referred to as ‘Mr Cricket’ during his playing career, has continued to play cricket since retiring from international cricket.
His post-playing career has been coaching and consultancy, which has also involved working with Australia and franchise teams. His skills in batting in different formats have made him a popular coach for all formats, and he has made him a sought-after figure in coaching circles.
And now his work as part of Australia has given the team another voice to speak for the team for more international assignments and eventually the Ashes.
The move also adds an interesting element to the traditional Australia-England rivalry. Hussey might have been at his former team’s helm for the next Ashes, but instead he’ll be on Australia's side of the contest.
For England, the immediate task is to find an alternative for the Test batting coach position. For Australia, Hussey’s decision gives Australia additional experience in its setup ahead of one of cricket’s biggest series.
