Former Australian international cricketer Michael Hussey has been roped in as a coaching consultant by Cricket Australia for important assignments- the
2027 Ashes and the ODI World Cup. Hussey will also serve as a T20 advisor for the Los Angeles 2028 Olympics and the 2028 T20 World Cup, which is scheduled to take place in Australia and New Zealand.
Hussey has already served his time providing assistance and guidance to the Australian team under the aegis of Andrew McDonald in recent years. The role was mainly as an extra batting consultant in the lead-up to the Perth Test every year. However, he has declined to stay permanently with the entourage due to his commentary commitments as well as his coaching role with the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL and Welsh Fire in the Hundred.
Earlier, Hussey was approached by his former CSK colleague Stephen Fleming when the New Zealander took over the England Test job this year. However, Hussey turned down that job offer graciously to take on an opportunity in his own country as a coaching consultant.
"I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years. 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," the former Australian cricketer said.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald welcomed Mike Hussey to the coaching setup, with the former Australian batter bringing extensive experience across international cricket, different formats and global T20 competitions.
What Will Be The First Assignment For Michael Hussey?
Hussey's primary responsibility will be to strengthen Australia's T20 setup. He was previously part of England's coaching staff under Matthew Mott when the team won the T20 World Cup in 2022. His experience as both a player and coach is expected to complement the existing coaching group and provide additional support to the players.
McDonald will miss Australia's upcoming T20 International series against England as part of his planned break, with assistant coach Andre Borovec taking charge of the team. Borovec has regularly stepped in during McDonald's breaks over the past three years, allowing the head coach to focus on preparations for major assignments.
Hussey will begin his consultancy stint alongside Borovec and Australia's relatively young squad during the England series. He will also remain involved in the team's broader planning and preparations for the major T20 events scheduled in 2028, even when he is not travelling with the squad.
Australia's head of national teams, Ben Oliver, highlighted Hussey's appointment as an important addition to the coaching structure, particularly with a demanding Test schedule lined up over the next 12 months. His role will involve working closely with team management, coaches and selectors to provide specialised support for the T20 format.
Hussey's extensive experience in the shortest format is expected to play a significant role in Australia's preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the T20 World Cup in the same year.
