Former Test Batter Mike Hussey Appointed Long-Term Batting Consultant for Australia

Cricket Australia has appointed former international batter Michael Hussey as a long-term batting consultant. The 51-year-old, who previously served in short-term coaching capacities for the national side, takes on a more formal role as the team seeks to address recent batting struggles in the longest format of the game.

Australia's red-ball batting form has drawn scrutiny following a series of low totals over the past year. Last winter saw two Ashes Tests conclude within two days, followed by a defeat to Bangladesh in August where Australia were bowled out for 198, and subsequent scores of 99 and 111 during a 2-1 series loss in South Africa. Australian head coach Andrew McDonald stated that Hussey brings an invaluable skill set and extensive multi-format experience to support both the coaching and playing groups.

Hussey stated that he is extremely excited about joining the team in a formal and meaningful capacity. Before accepting the position with his home nation, Hussey revealed that he turned down an informal approach from England's red-ball coach, Stephen Fleming, to act as a Test batting mentor for the England team. Hussey previously worked within England's coaching setup during their 2002 T20 World Cup victory and has coaching experience in the Indian Premier League and The Hundred.

Hussey's tenure begins with a five-match T20 series against England commencing on 21 November. In the shorter format, he will assist preparations for the upcoming T20 World Cup in 2028 and the Los Angeles Olympics, which will feature cricket for the first time in 128 years. Following the conclusion of the T20 matches against England on 2 December, Australia face a busy pre-Ashes schedule comprising a four-Test home series against New Zealand and a five-Test series in India.

The team is also scheduled to play a one-off Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground starting on 11 March to celebrate 150 years of Test cricket, with a potential appearance in the World Test Championship final at the Oval on 9 June. The five-match Ashes series is slated to run from 18 June to 2 August, while Hussey will additionally support the squad at the ODI World Cup hosted by South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe in October and November 2027.

During his international career, Hussey played 302 matches for Australia across all formats after making his Test debut at age 30 following the 2005 Ashes. He accumulated 79 Test appearances with a batting average of 51.52, alongside 185 One Day Internationals and 38 Twenty20 internationals, contributing to Australia's victory in the 2007 50-over World Cup and the 2006 and 2009 Champions Trophies before retiring from international cricket in early 2013.