Australia have secured the services of Michael Hussey as a long-term batting consultant, tasked with preparing the team for the 2027 Ashes and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 51-year-old former batsman, affectionately known as 'Mr Cricket', will join the national staff as Australia aim to rectify their recent struggles in the longest format.
Hussey's appointment comes after a mixed period for Australia, who drew 1-1 at home against Bangladesh and then suffered a 2-1 series defeat in South Africa. Those results have raised concerns about the team's batting resilience, particularly in Test cricket.
A wealth of experience
Hussey, who played 79 Tests, 185 ODIs, and 38 T20Is for Australia, brings a wealth of experience to the role. He averaged 51.52 in Test cricket and was a key member of the side that won the 2007 ODI World Cup and the 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophies. Since retiring from international cricket in 2013, Hussey has worked as a coach and consultant in various capacities, including with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and as head coach of Welsh Fire in The Hundred.
His immediate focus will be on the five-match T20 series against England starting on 21 November, which serves as preparation for the 2028 Olympics, where cricket will return for the first time in 128 years. He will also be involved in the 2028 T20 World Cup, co-hosted by Australia and New Zealand.
Challenges ahead
Australia's batting frailties were exposed last year when two Ashes Tests lasted just two days, and they were bowled out for 198 in a historic loss to Bangladesh. In South Africa, they were dismissed for 99 and 111 in the second and third Tests. Hussey's primary task will be to shore up a batting line-up that has shown vulnerability against quality opposition.
Following the T20 series, Australia face a demanding Test schedule: four home Tests against New Zealand, a five-match series in India, and a one-off Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket. The five-match Ashes series then runs from 18 June to 2 August, before the ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia, and Zimbabwe in October and November 2027.
Hussey's coaching credentials
Hussey has previously served as a short-term batting consultant for Australia and also worked with England as a batting consultant in 2022, helping them win the T20 World Cup in Australia. His deep understanding of the game and ability to adapt to different formats make him a valuable asset.
Australia coach Andrew McDonald welcomed the appointment, saying: "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. Not only is his expertise as a player and coach across multiple formats, competitions, and countries invaluable, so are his qualities as a person."
Hussey himself expressed his enthusiasm: "I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years. 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."
With Hussey on board, Australia will be hoping to rediscover the consistency that has eluded them in recent times and mount a strong challenge for the Ashes and Olympic glory.
