Michael Hussey Coaching Consultant for Australia
Australia have appointed former batter Michael Hussey as a coaching consultant for the 2027 Ashes series and the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup. The Michael Hussey coaching consultant role also makes him a T20 adviser ahead of the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.
Hussey has worked with the Australian team before in short-term roles under head coach Andrew McDonald. He will now take on a more prominent place in the national set-up.
His earlier stints mostly involved extra batting support before the annual Perth Test. His work as a commentator, and coaching roles with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League and Welsh Fire in The Hundred, had limited his time with the national side.
Why Hussey turned down England
Hussey was also approached to join England’s coaching set-up. The approach came from his long-time colleague Stephen Fleming, who took charge of England’s Test side earlier this year. Hussey turned it down in favour of a bigger role with Australia.
“I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years,” Hussey said. “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.”
McDonald welcomed the appointment. “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,” he said. “Not only is his expertise as a player and coach across multiple formats, competitions, countries invaluable, so are his qualities as a person.”
When the Michael Hussey coaching consultant role starts
Hussey will begin his new role during Australia’s upcoming T20I series against England. He will then help prepare for the Test series against New Zealand in Perth.
McDonald will take a break during the T20I series against England. Assistant coach Andre Borovec will lead the side. Borovec has taken charge of several T20I series over the past three years when McDonald rested to focus on Test preparations. Hussey will work alongside Borovec and a young Australian squad during the series.
His main focus will be the T20 format. Hussey was part of England’s coaching group under Matthew Mott when they won the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2022. That experience is a large part of why Australia want him for the run to the 2028 tournaments.
The road to 2028
Ben Oliver, Australia’s head of national teams, said Hussey would stay involved in planning for the 2028 T20 tournaments even when he was not working directly with the team.
“With a heavy schedule of Test cricket over the coming 12 months, Mike will work closely with team management, coaches and selectors to provide additional T20 support during this time,” Oliver said. “Mike has extensive T20 experience and we look forward to the impact that he will have on the team as we prepare for the LA Olympics and T20 World Cup in 2028.”
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What is Michael Hussey’s new role?
He is Australia’s coaching consultant for the 2027 Ashes and the ODI World Cup, and a T20 adviser for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the T20 World Cup.
When does he start?
He starts with Australia’s upcoming T20I series against England, then helps prepare for the Test series against New Zealand in Perth.
Why did he turn down England?
He was approached to join England’s set-up under Stephen Fleming, but he chose a more substantial consultancy role with Australia.
What is his T20 background?
He was part of England’s coaching group when they won the 2022 T20 World Cup, and he coaches Welsh Fire in The Hundred and Chennai Super Kings in the IPL.
