Australia have appointed former international batter Michael Hussey as a long-term batting consultant, bringing the experienced coach into their national setup ahead of a demanding schedule that includes the 2027 Ashes and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics.
The 51-year-old will take up his new position when Australia begin their five-match T20 series against England on November 21.
He has previously worked with the national team on several occasions in a temporary consultancy capacity.
Hussey Joins Australia Coaching Staff
Hussey’s appointment comes as Australia seek to strengthen their batting performances across different formats.
His responsibilities will cover both Test and limited-overs cricket, with preparations already underway for several major international competitions.
In the T20 format, he will contribute to Australia’s preparations for cricket’s return to the Olympic programme in 2028, marking the sport’s first appearance at the Games in 128 years.
He will also assist the team ahead of the 2028 T20 World Cup, which Australia and New Zealand will jointly host in October and November.
Expressing his enthusiasm about the appointment, Hussey said he was looking forward to contributing to the team in a more established capacity.
“I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years,” he 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.”
Australia Seek Answers to Batting Problems
The appointment comes after a difficult period for Australia’s Test batting lineup, which has produced several disappointing performances over the past year.
Two of their Ashes Tests last winter ended within two days, raising concerns about the team’s ability to deliver consistently in the longest format.
Their difficulties continued during the home series against Bangladesh, when Australia were dismissed for 198 as the visitors secured their first-ever Test victory on Australian soil.
The subsequent tour of South Africa brought further problems, with Australia managing just 99 and 111 in the second and third Tests as they suffered a 2-1 series defeat.
Those results followed a 1-1 draw against Bangladesh, leaving the team with plenty to address before their next major Test assignments.
Packed Schedule Ahead of 2027 Ashes
After completing their T20 commitments against England on December 2, Australia will enter an extensive Test programme as they build towards the 2027 Ashes.
The team are scheduled to host New Zealand for a four-match Test series before travelling to India for five Tests.
They will then return to face England in a standalone Test at the Melbourne Cricket Ground from March 11.
The match will mark 150 years of Test cricket.
Australia could also feature in the World Test Championship final at The Oval on June 9, depending on their results in the competition.
The five-match Ashes series against England is scheduled to run from June 18 to August 2, 2027.
Hussey will also be involved in Australia’s campaign at the 2027 ODI World Cup, which will take place in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe in October and November.
Hussey’s International and Coaching Experience
Hussey established himself as one of Australia’s most dependable batters despite making his Test debut at the age of 30.
He earned his opportunity in the national side after the 2005 Ashes and remained a regular across all three international formats until retiring from international cricket in early 2013.
He represented Australia in 79 Test matches, recording a batting average of 51.52.
His international career also included 185 One-Day Internationals and 38 T20 appearances.
During his time with the national team, Hussey was part of Australia’s victorious 2007 Cricket World Cup campaign and their Champions Trophy successes in 2006 and 2009.
His coaching experience includes working with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, where he served under Stephen Fleming, and his current position as head coach of Welsh Fire in the men’s Hundred competition.
He also worked as a batting consultant for England in 2022, helping the team secure the T20 World Cup title on Australian soil.
McDonald Welcomes Hussey’s Appointment
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald welcomed the decision to bring Hussey into the coaching structure on a longer-term basis.
McDonald highlighted his experience across international cricket and franchise competitions, as well as the qualities he brings to the team’s coaching and playing groups.
“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,” 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.”
