Former Australia batter Mike Hussey has revealed he is open to joining England’s coaching staff as batting coach ahead of next Ashes series following an informal approach from the team’s new Test head coach Stephen Fleming. The pair share a long professional relationship of more than 15 years at Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, first as teammates and later as coaches. Fleming was appointed England’s red-ball coach in July taking over from Brendon McCullum and has sounded out Hussey about a possible batting role.
Speaking to Fox Sports News, Hussey confirmed the conversation and made clear he would not rule it out. “There is a lot of different things to consider. My short answer is I would not say no to anything really. I love the coaching side of the game. It would feel a bit weird, definitely coaching for England against Australia in an Ashes series, no question. But if that is your job and that is what you are doing you just get on with it,” he said.
Hussey who is widely known as Mr Cricket has scored 6235 runs in 79 Tests for Australia. He previously worked with England as a batting consultant during their successful 2022 T20 World Cup campaign on Australian soil, an experience he has described as feeling unusual at first.
Mike Hussey open to England role but has not made a decision yet
Mike Hussey has made it clear that it was not a formal offer so far and that he would take his time. He has also spoken positively about Fleming’s role for the England job, describing him as bringing a balance of tradition and innovation, with fire and ice in his personality. Hussey has worked with Welsh Fire in The Hundred recently and is also doing commentary work. He has indicated he is happy with that mix for now. No formal contract has been offered by the England and Wales Cricket Board at this stage and he remains undecided.
“I won’t be rushing into a decision. I have a very close relationship with Stephen Fleming and that has an impact on it as well. The time away from family is a real thing for me. I am not in a position to say yay or nay any time soon.”
Hussey explained the nature of the chat between himself and Fleming “We obviously get on really well and work a lot together. So it was just a bit of a passing comment, really saying, ‘Look, what do you reckon? Would you think about being the batting coach?’”
England will host Australia in the Ashes across June, July and August next year aiming to reclaim the Ashes urn for the first time since 2015. If Hussey takes up the role, it would be a huge addition for the Joe Root side considering his experience. This speculation about him joining the England side has already sparked discussion on social media.
