Mike Hussey has been appointed a consultant coach to the Australian team, with a remit covering the 2027 Ashes, the 2027 World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and T20 World Cup. The 51-year-old arrives as Australia try to fix a batting shortfall exposed by a 2-1 Test series defeat in South Africa.
Appointment at a Glance
Hussey's role is a consultant position rather than a full-time head or assistant coaching job. It is structured around specific tournaments across formats, which gives Australia targeted batting expertise at key moments.
ESPNcricinfo reports that the major focus of the role is the 2028 Olympics and T20 World Cup. He will also work with the team for the 2027 Ashes and the ODI World Cup.
Hussey's Australia consultant assignments| Assignment | Year | Format |
|---|
| The Ashes | 2027 | Test |
| ODI World Cup | 2027 | ODI |
| Los Angeles Olympics | 2028 | T20 |
| T20 World Cup | 2028 | T20 |
The schedule spans three formats and a four-year-long horizon of major events. That is a notable commitment for a consultant position.
Why Batting Is the Focus
The appointment follows Australia's 2-1 Test series defeat in South Africa, a result that highlighted a batting problem. Hussey's technical expertise, which earned him the nickname Mr Cricket, is the main reason he was targeted.
Australia's head coach Andrew McDonald said Hussey brings a considerable skill set that is complementary to the existing coaches and players. He also pointed to Hussey's experience across multiple formats, competitions and countries.
The England Approach Declined
Hussey revealed in August that England's new red-ball coach, Stephen Fleming, had informally approached him to be their Test batting mentor. He turned that offer down and committed to Australia instead.
That decision matters ahead of the Ashes. A batting specialist who knows both camps will now work with one side only.
Coaching Record and Experience
Hussey played more than 300 matches for Australia across all formats. His coaching career has since covered franchise, national and domestic competitions.
Hussey's coaching background| Role | Team or Competition | Detail |
|---|
| Coaching staff | England | Part of the setup that won the 2022 T20 World Cup |
| Batting coach | Chennai Super Kings | Long-time role under Stephen Fleming in the IPL |
| Head coach | Welsh Fire | Led the side in this year's Hundred |
| Staff member | Australia | Previously served; now returns as consultant |
The record includes one global title with England in the 2022 T20 World Cup. It also includes an extended working relationship with Fleming at Chennai Super Kings.
Cross-Format Value
Hussey's background covers Tests, white-ball internationals and franchise T20 cricket. That spread suits a role that runs from the Ashes through to the Olympics.
It also gives Australia an outside view of how England prepare, given his earlier time in their coaching setup.
What the Appointment Means
Hussey said he was extremely excited about joining the team in a more formal and meaningful role. He added that he hopes to add value to the coaching and playing groups ahead of what he called an exciting and challenging period.
The measurable test will be batting output across the Ashes and the 2027 World Cup. Run totals, averages and top-order stability will show whether the consultant model delivers.
For now, the appointment signals that Australia see batting technique as the priority area. The 2027 Ashes will be the first major examination of that decision.