Australia recruit Michael Hussey for Ashes build-up

Australia have appointed former batsman Michael Hussey as a long‑term batting consultant, with the aim of strengthening preparations for the 2027 Ashes series and the cricket competition at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 51‑year‑old will join the national staff ahead of the five‑match Twenty20 series against England, which starts on 21 November. His role will focus on the T20 format as the side readies for the inaugural Olympic event and the 2028 World Cup scheduled for Australia and New Zealand.

Australia’s red‑ball batting has faltered in recent months, having drawn 1‑1 at home to Bangladesh and then lost 2‑1 in South Africa in their last two series. The team was dismissed for 198 in August when Bangladesh recorded their first Test win in Australia, and later fell for 99 and 111 in the second and third Tests against South Africa. After the final England T20 on 2 December, the side will embark on a heavy pre‑Ashes schedule, playing four home Tests against New Zealand followed by a five‑match series in India.

The Australians will then host a one‑off Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on 11 March, marking 150 years of Test cricket, before potentially reaching the World Test Championship final at the Oval on 9 June. The five‑match Ashes series is set for 18 June to 2 August, and Hussey will also be involved in the ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe in October and November 2027. Hussey made his Test debut at age 30 after the 2005 Ashes and retired from international cricket in early 2013.

He played 79 Tests at an average of 51.52, appeared in 185 ODIs and 38 T20 internationals, and was part of the 2007 50‑over World Cup‑winning side and the 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophy triumphs.

He is currently the head coach of Welsh Fire in the men’s Hundred competition and has previously worked with the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, serving under England Test coach Stephen Fleming. Hussey also acted as a batting consultant for England in 2022, helping them secure the T20 World Cup on Australian soil. His experience across formats, competitions and countries is seen as a valuable addition to the Australian coaching group.

"I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years," Hussey said in a statement. "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," Australia coach Andrew McDonald said. "Not only is his expertise as a player and coach across multiple formats, competitions, countries invaluable, so are his qualities as a person."