Stephen Fleming has identified Michael Hussey as his preferred choice for England’s next Test batting coach as he begins assembling his new backroom team ahead of taking charge later this year, according to Tom Morris for 7News Australia. The former Australia batter is understood to be among Fleming’s leading targets, while Chennai Super Kings bowling coach Eric Simons has also emerged as a candidate to join England’s coaching setup.
The developments would reunite Fleming with two of the figures who played important roles during his long and successful spell with Chennai Super Kings, where the trio worked together for several seasons.
Fleming begins building his England support staff
Hussey has been part of Chennai Super Kings’ coaching staff since 2018 after enjoying a successful playing career with the franchise across six IPL seasons. He is currently Head Coach of Welsh Fire in The Hundred and remains one of the most experienced batting coaches in franchise cricket.
Simons, who also joined Chennai Super Kings’ coaching group in 2018, has worked closely alongside Fleming in the IPL and is being linked with England’s bowling department as the national side prepares for its next chapter.
Fleming will officially begin his tenure during England’s Test tour of South Africa in December. Until then, Marcus Trescothick will oversee the team as interim Head Coach during the home Test series against Pakistan, while David Saker is expected to remain in charge of the bowling unit for that assignment.
Fleming outlines his priorities
Following his appointment as England Test Head Coach, Fleming outlined the importance of building his new era around England’s senior leadership group.
He said: “I’m particularly looking forward to working with Joe Root as Captain – a generational talent who has achieved so much already. There is still plenty more to come from him, and I’m excited to support him so he can enjoy and thrive in the role in what is a different context to his first stint.”
Fleming also emphasised that developing the next generation of leaders would be a key priority during his tenure.
He added: “I’m also excited to work with Harry Brook. The best players are never finished products, and helping Harry continue to develop his extraordinary talent and his leadership will be an important part of this journey.”
Hussey already has England experience
A move into England’s Test coaching setup would not be Hussey’s first involvement with the national side. He previously worked as a consultant during England’s successful 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup campaign.
Speaking to BBC Sport during that tournament, Hussey said: “The first time I pulled on the England shirt it was a little bit strange but after that you get to work with the players, enjoy developing those individual relationships, and forget about what you’re wearing.”
His existing relationship with England’s players, combined with more than a decade of working alongside Fleming, would give the new Test Head Coach a familiar face within his coaching group should the appointment materialise.
CSK could face another major coaching decision
Any departure for Hussey would also create another significant decision for Chennai Super Kings following Fleming’s exit from the franchise.
During a conversation with Dipak Ragav of The Hindu, former India Batter Vidyut Sivaramakrishnan said the franchise must first decide whether it wants continuity or a different coaching philosophy.
He said: “The big question for the management is: do they want someone similar to Fleming or do they want to go in a new direction? Someone like Brendon McCullum, who is more flamboyant and will embrace a high-risk approach.”
Sivaramakrishnan also stressed that whoever succeeds Fleming would need to fit into the culture that has underpinned CSK’s success for many years.
He added: “More importantly, the new coach has to align with MS Dhoni’s thought process.”
Hussey has been widely linked with the vacancy after spending several years within the franchise’s coaching setup and previously representing CSK as a player.
Sivaramakrishnan also said: “Hussey can be the head coach, but they can get some fresh support staff. He will understand what the team needs and is somebody who has evolved very well with the times. He has been in the system for a long time.”
England’s new coaching structure will begin taking shape during the Pakistan Test series later this month before Fleming officially assumes charge for the three-match tour of South Africa beginning in December.
