With some important future series and tournaments in mind, Cricket Australia (CA) has roped in former batsman Mike Hussey as the consultant coach and T20 advisor for four major events across the next two years.
Mike Hussey, who recently parted ways with the Chennai Super Kings (CSK), will be in Australia’s coaching staff for the 2027 Ashes, 2027 ICC World Cup, 2028 T20 World Cup, and LA28 Olympics.
The 51-year-old has previously had brief assignments with the national team as an additional batting consultant and now gets an official role for the upcoming four major events for the Australia men’s cricket team. He will also be available for some bilateral series that don’t clash with this other work.
Mike Hussey’s role as a T20 advisor “will see him provide a range of specific expertise, including campaign strategies, opposition insights, player scouting, and performance.”
Why Did Mike Hussey Join Australia As Consultant Coach After Rejecting England’s Test Team Offer?
Mike Hussey was earlier approached by former CSK head coach Stephen Fleming to join him in the coaching staff of the England Test team, with Fleming now the head coach, having replaced Brendon McCullum. But the Aussie passed on the opportunity and now instead takes up the role with Australia in a broader capacity.
Hussey said, “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.”
Mike Hussey’s role will begin immediately with the five-match T20I series against England at home this month, followed by the four-match Test series against New Zealand, also at home, starting December 9.
Hussey retired from professional cricket in 2016. In 2018, he joined CSK as their batting coach and remained in the role until 2026. During this period, Hussey also worked in the coaching setup of Australia and England men’s teams, which included being part of the staff during England’s 2022 T20 World Cup triumph.
Australia head coach Andrew McDonald heaped Hussey’s experience and the values he brings to the dressing room as a human.
“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,” McDonald said.
Ben Oliver, General Manager of National Teams, backs Hussey to take on the responsibility of the T20 team while the focus of the players and coaches remains on the other two formats for the next year.
“With a heavy schedule of Test cricket over the coming 12 months, Mike will work closely with team management, coaches, and selectors to provide additional T20 support during this time,” Oliver said.
“Mike has extensive T20 experience, and we look forward to the impact that he will have on the team as we prepare for the LA Olympics and T20 World Cup in 2028.”
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