Archive · 21 Aug 2026
Mike Hussey Open to England Batting Role for Ashes
Mike Hussey used to play cricket for Australia and is now a coach and commentator.
England’s new Test coach, Stephen Fleming, asked whether Hussey might help England’s batters.
The suggestion was informal, so it is not yet a confirmed job offer.
Hussey and Fleming know each other well from Chennai Super Kings.
Hussey has coached England before during the 2022 T20 World Cup.
He says coaching England against Australia in the Ashes would feel unusual.
However, he says he would focus on helping the team he works with.
Hussey is taking a break and will think carefully before deciding.
He also needs to consider being away from his family.
Former Australia batter Mike Hussey says he would consider joining England’s Test staff as a batting coach for next year’s Ashes.
England head coach Stephen Fleming made an informal, off-the-cuff suggestion about the possible role.
Hussey and Fleming have worked together as players and coaches at Chennai Super Kings for about 15 years.
Hussey previously coached England during their 2022 T20 World Cup campaign and said representing England initially felt strange.
Hussey will not rush a decision, citing the role’s demands, his relationship with Fleming and time away from family.
- Who
- Former Australia batter Mike Hussey and England head coach Stephen Fleming.
- What
- Hussey is considering a possible role as England’s Test batting coach for the Ashes.
- When
- The Ashes are scheduled for June, July and August next year; Hussey has not set a decision timeline.
- Where
- England will host Australia for the Ashes.
- Why
- Fleming wants to consider coaching support for England, while Hussey is weighing his interest in coaching against the unusual Australia rivalry and family commitments.
Ashes Rivalry and Personal Considerations
Coaching Opportunity and Professional Focus
Coaching England against Australia
Ashes Rivalry and Personal Considerations
Hussey acknowledges that coaching England against his former country in an Ashes series would feel strange, particularly because he previously represented Australia.
Coaching Opportunity and Professional Focus
Hussey says that once the work begins, he focuses on helping the team he coaches rather than feeling he is coaching against a particular country.
England’s cricketing approach
Ashes Rivalry and Personal Considerations
The articles describe concerns that England’s recent post-'Bazball' approach may have been too reckless.
Coaching Opportunity and Professional Focus
Hussey believes Fleming can retain England’s positive, enjoyable style while introducing a smarter and more balanced approach.
Whether Hussey should accept
Ashes Rivalry and Personal Considerations
Hussey says he has not properly considered the possibility and that time away from his family is an important concern.
Coaching Opportunity and Professional Focus
He enjoys coaching, is open to working with players from any country and has a close professional relationship with Fleming.
- Possible role
- England Test batting coach or batting support staff
- Offer status
- An informal, passing or off-the-cuff suggestion from Stephen Fleming
- Hussey’s Test record
- 6,235 runs in 79 Tests for Australia
- Previous England experience
- Coached England during their 2022 T20 World Cup campaign
- Fleming-Hussey connection
- They have worked together as players and coaches at Chennai Super Kings for about 15 years
- Ashes schedule
- England will host Australia in June, July and August next year
- England’s objective
- England are seeking the Ashes urn for the first time since 2015
