Cricket Australia has approached former Test batter Michael Hussey about joining its coaching set-up, creating a direct contest with England for his services ahead of the 2027 Ashes, according to an exclusive report by CODE Sports journalist Ben Horne. Hussey is now considering approaches from both sides and has yet to decide whether to accept either opportunity.
Australia’s move comes after incoming England Test Head Coach Stephen Fleming sounded out Hussey over becoming his batting coach. With the Ashes scheduled for June 2027, the two rivals are now pursuing the same highly regarded former Australia Batter as they prepare their respective Test teams for the period ahead.
Australia moves for Hussey
Cricket Australia’s approach follows a difficult period for its batting group. Jake Weatherald was dropped as an opener during the Bangladesh series, while Marnus Labuschagne has come under pressure for his position in the top order.
Australia’s defeat in the opening Test against Bangladesh also intensified scrutiny of its batting as the team looks ahead to major series against South Africa, India and England over the following 12 months. Hussey has previously worked with Australia’s coaches on a casual basis, giving him experience within the national set-up as well as his extensive playing background.
The former left-hander played 79 Tests for Australia and finished with a batting average of 51.52. His coaching experience has since extended across international and franchise cricket, including roles with Chennai Super Kings and Welsh Fire as well as previous work with England.
Hussey has not indicated that a decision is imminent. Speaking on Fox Cricket, he said: “I’m just taking some time, I’m not making any decisions anytime soon, just thinking about it.”
England interest puts Ashes rivals in competition
England’s pursuit of Hussey predates Australia’s approach. As previously reported by cricexec, Fleming has discussed the batting coach position with his long-time Chennai Super Kings colleague as he builds the support staff for his new role leading England’s Test team.
Hussey and Fleming developed a strong professional relationship during their time with CSK. Fleming raised the possibility of Hussey joining his England staff directly, leaving the former Australia international to consider a role that could eventually place him against his home country in an Ashes series.
Hussey also has previous experience working inside the England environment. He served as a batting consultant during England’s successful 2022 T20 World Cup campaign in Australia, meaning an appointment under Fleming would not represent his first coaching involvement with the national team.
England’s interest forms part of a broader restructuring of its Test operation following Fleming’s appointment as Test Head Coach. He succeeded Brendon McCullum in the red-ball role, with the final composition of his support staff still to be settled.
CSK connection adds another dimension
Hussey’s long association with Chennai Super Kings has also generated interest around his next move. He remains part of the IPL franchise’s coaching operation, where his work alongside Fleming has been central to the relationship behind England’s approach.
Former India Captain and Selector Kris Srikkanth has urged Hussey to remain with the franchise rather than follow Fleming into the England set-up. Speaking on his YouTube channel, Srikkanth said: “I would advise Michael Hussey not to make that mistake. He would be made to work with Stephen Fleming again. He should continue with CSK as they’ll take care of him brilliantly. Fleming has no work but to go to different places and call Hussey.”
The competing approaches leave Hussey with options involving both Ashes rivals while his existing connection with CSK remains in place. For now, no appointment has been confirmed, with Hussey continuing to consider his next move before committing to a more permanent coaching position.
