By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Australia have appointed former Test batter Michael Hussey as a long-term batting consultant to help the national team prepare for the 2027 Ashes series and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
Role and immediate start
The 51-year-old, nicknamed "Mr Cricket", has previously worked as a short-term batting consultant for Australia. He will begin his new role when the side faces England in a five-match T20 series starting on 21 November.
Olympic and World Cup focus
In the T20 format, Hussey will also assist preparations for the first Olympic cricket competition in 128 years and the 2028 T20 World Cup, which will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand in October and November.
Hussey's statement
"I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years," Hussey said. "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."
Recent batting struggles
Australia's red-ball batting has faltered over the past year. They drew 1-1 at home against Bangladesh and lost 2-1 in South Africa. In August, they were bowled out for 198 as Bangladesh secured their first Test win in Australia, and they were dismissed for 99 and 111 in the second and third Tests against South Africa.
Heavy pre-Ashes schedule
After the final England T20 on 2 December, Australia face a demanding Test programme: four matches at home against New Zealand, a five-Test tour of India, and a one-off Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 11 March 2027 marking 150 years of Test cricket. They could also reach the World Test Championship final at The Oval on 9 June 2027. The five-match Ashes series runs from 18 June to 2 August 2027, and Hussey will also work with the side at the ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe in October and November 2027.
Playing and coaching background
Hussey did not debut in Test cricket until age 30, after the 2005 Ashes. He played 79 Tests, averaging 51.52, along with 185 ODIs and 38 T20s, winning the 2007 50-over World Cup and the 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophies. He is currently head coach of Welsh Fire in the men's Hundred and has worked in the Indian Premier League with Chennai Super Kings under Stephen Fleming. He also served as a batting consultant for England during their 2022 T20 World Cup triumph in Australia.
Coach's endorsement
Australia coach Andrew McDonald said: "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, countries invaluable, so are his qualities as a person."
