Michael Hussey has been appointed Australia’s long-term batting consultant as the team prepares for the 2027 Ashes and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, marking a fresh attempt to improve their form in red-ball cricket. The 51-year-old former batter will begin his new role ahead of a five-game T20 series against England starting on 21 November.
Australia’s recent struggles in Test cricket have raised concerns. They drew 1-1 at home against Bangladesh before losing 2-1 in South Africa. Their batting performances have faltered, with two of last winter’s Ashes Tests ending inside two days, and they were bowled out for 198 during Bangladesh’s first-ever Test win in Australia in August. In South Africa, Australia were dismissed for 99 and 111 in the second and third Tests.
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Hussey’s role extends beyond the Ashes to include preparation for the first Olympic cricket tournament in 128 years and the 2028 ODI World Cup, which Australia will co-host with New Zealand in October and November. He will also work with the team at the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe.
“I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years,” Hussey said in an official statement. “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.”
Australia’s schedule ahead of the 2027 Ashes is intense. After the T20 series against England, they will host New Zealand for four Tests, then travel to India for five Tests. A one-off Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 11 March will celebrate 150 years of Test cricket. Following that, the Ashes series runs from 18 June to 2 August, with the possibility of reaching the World Test Championship final at The Oval on 9 June.
Hussey’s experience spans multiple formats and coaching roles. He did not make his Test debut until he was 30 but became a regular across all formats until retiring in early 2013. Over 79 Tests, he averaged 51.52 with the bat and played 185 ODIs and 38 T20s. He was part of Australia’s victorious squads in the 2007 50-over World Cup and the 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophy campaigns.
Currently, Hussey is head coach of Welsh Fire in the men’s Hundred and has coached in the Indian Premier League with Chennai Super Kings, where he worked with Stephen Fleming, now England’s Test coach. Hussey also served as a batting consultant for England during their successful 2022 T20 World Cup campaign in Australia.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald praised Hussey’s addition. “Mike has been a highly valued part of our staff in the past and brings a considerable skill set which is complementary to the coaches and players,” McDonald said. “Not only is his expertise as a player and coach across multiple formats, competitions, countries invaluable, so are his qualities as a person.”
Australia have omitted their star pace trio for the upcoming England T20 series as they focus on managing workloads ahead of a packed Test schedule. The team’s poor red-ball form has been a major concern, with the batting line-up needing reinforcement.
Hussey’s appointment signals Australia’s intention to strengthen their batting technique and mindset as they look to regain dominance in Test cricket and prepare for cricket’s return to the Olympics after more than a century.
According to BBC Sports.
