Michael Hussey Joins Australia Coaching Staff for Ashes and World Cup

Former Australia batter Michael Hussey has returned to the national coaching setup, taking on an expanded consultancy role that will cover the 2027 Ashes, ODI World Cup and Australia's preparations for two major T20 events in 2028.

Cricket Australia confirmed the appointment on Friday, November 6, with Hussey also named as a T20 advisor for the Los Angeles Olympics and the 2028 T20 World Cup, which Australia will co-host with New Zealand.

The Michael Hussey Australia coaching role will begin with the upcoming five-match T20I series against England. He will also assist the team with preparations for the home Test series against New Zealand in Perth.

The appointment gives Australia an experienced batting voice at a time when the team faces a demanding international schedule. Recent batting struggles have also drawn attention, including a 2-1 Test series defeat to South Africa.

Hussey turns down England opportunity

Hussey's return comes after several short assignments with Australia's coaching staff under head coach Andrew McDonald. He previously worked as an additional batting consultant, particularly ahead of the annual Perth Test.

However, commentary commitments and coaching positions with Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and Welsh Fire in The Hundred limited his availability.

He was also approached by long-time colleague Stephen Fleming for a position in England's Test coaching setup earlier this year. Hussey declined that opportunity, choosing instead to take on a more substantial role with Australia.

The former batter brings considerable international and franchise experience. He played 79 Tests, 185 ODIs and 38 T20Is for Australia, building a reputation as one of the country's most dependable middle-order players.

His coaching background includes working with England's successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2022 under Matthew Mott.

T20 World Cup and Olympics among key priorities

While the 2027 Ashes and ODI World Cup form part of his responsibilities, T20 cricket will receive particular attention from Hussey.

Australia's coaching staff will have a busy Test schedule over the next 12 months, making additional support valuable as the team prepares for the 2028 competitions.

Australia's head of national teams, Ben Oliver, said Hussey would work with team management, coaches and selectors to provide further T20 support.

McDonald also welcomed the appointment, highlighting Hussey's experience across different formats, competitions and countries.

Hussey said he was looking forward to becoming part of the national setup in a more formal capacity and hoped to contribute to the team's coaching and playing groups.

The Australia 2027 Ashes coaching consultant appointment gives Hussey responsibilities across multiple formats, rather than limiting his involvement to batting sessions.

His first assignments against England and New Zealand will provide an early opportunity to work with the squad before Australia's preparations turn towards the packed 2027 and 2028 cricket calendar.