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Australia have appointed former batter Michael Hussey as a long-term batting consultant to prepare the national team for the 2027 Ashes and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Coaching Role and Upcoming Schedule
The 51-year-old joins the national staff as Australia seek to address their struggles in the longest format of the game, having recently drawn 1-1 at home against Bangladesh and suffered a 2-1 series defeat in South Africa. Hussey previously worked under Stephen Fleming at Indian Premier League franchise Chennai Super Kings, and the new England Test coach had also expressed interest in adding him to his coaching setup.
However, Australia secured their former player on a lengthy contract, with Hussey beginning his duties when the team takes on England in a five-match T20 series starting on 21 November. In the shortest format, he will assist the squad in preparing for the inaugural Olympic cricket tournament in 128 years, alongside the 2028 World Cup hosted jointly by Australia and New Zealand in October and November of that year.
Expressing his thoughts in a statement reported by BBC Sport, Hussey said he is extremely excited to join the team in a formal and meaningful capacity over the coming years. He added that the squad has accomplished a great deal recently, and he hopes to contribute value to both the coaching and playing groups during a challenging and thrilling period.
Addressing Recent Batting Struggles
Australia have endured a series of disappointing red-ball batting displays over the past year, beginning with two Ashes Tests last winter that concluded inside two days. In August, they were bowled out for 198 as Bangladesh secured their maiden Test victory in Australia, before being dismissed for 99 and 111 during losses in the second and third Tests against South Africa.
Following the conclusion of the T20 series against England on 2 December, the team faces a packed red-ball calendar, starting with four home Tests against New Zealand followed by a five-match series in India. They will then play a special one-off Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting on 11 March to mark 150 years of Test cricket, with a potential appearance in the World Test Championship final at the Oval on 9 June.
The five-match Ashes series is scheduled from 18 June to 2 August, while Hussey will also assist Australia at the ODI World Cup across South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe in October and November 2027.
Background and Endorsements
Hussey made his Test debut at age 30 following the 2005 Ashes, establishing himself as a regular across all formats until retiring from international competition in early 2013. He represented his country in 79 Tests with a batting average of 51.52, alongside 185 ODIs and 38 T20s, winning the 2007 50-over World Cup as well as the 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophies.
Currently serving as the head coach of Welsh Fire in the men’s Hundred, Hussey has previously held short-term batting consultant roles with Australia on several occasions. He also worked as a batting consultant for England in 2022, helping them claim the T20 World Cup title in Australia.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald stated that Mike has been a highly valued member of their staff previously, offering a significant skill set that complements both players and coaches. McDonald added that his expertise as a player and coach across various formats, tournaments, and nations is invaluable, alongside his personal qualities.
