The former Australian batter, Michael Hussey, has reportedly rejected England's offer to become their Test batting coach in a fresh twist to their efforts to include him in the new-look coaching setup. Instead, Hussey has decided to take up a consultancy role with the Australian team.
Recently, Brendon McCullum was sacked as England Test coach, with the reins of the white-ball teams handed to him, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was appointed as the new head coach.
The Guardian reports that Hussey chose the Australia position due to its flexibility, which enables him to maintain his current responsibilities in franchise cricket, The Hundred, and commentary. The 51-year-old decided to stay in Australia despite having discussed joining England's coaching staff with Fleming last month.
England has a busy schedule before the 2027 Ashes, having already won the Test series against Pakistan. England will further tour South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia before the Ashes.
Hussey's decision also allows him to keep his commentary duties with Fox Sports while continuing to work with Welsh Fire in The Hundred and Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League (IPL) in coaching capacities. He is CSK's batting coach and recently became the head coach of Welsh Fire this season.
Hussey had already worked with the England team as a part-time consultant during their triumphant 2022 T20 World Cup campaign. Additionally, he and Fleming have a long history, having worked together for 18 years at CSK, first during Hussey's playing career and then as coaches.
Cricket Australia’s consultancy role’s biggest attraction appears to be the freedom it allows Hussey to balance his coaching duties with other commitments. The former batter can balance his national team responsibilities with his franchise and broadcasting job thanks to the part-time arrangement, despite Australia's tough Test schedule.
With Hussey’s reported rejection, the ECB's hunt for a permanent batting coach for the Test team continues, though Marcus Trescothick remains an option. He has been working in the ad hoc role of batting coach for the Pakistan series and has been impressive.
Hussey’s international career included 79 Tests, 185 ODIs, and 38 T20Is, with the left-hander scoring 6,235 Test runs at an average of 51.52. Hussey retired from international cricket in 2013 after helping Australia win the 2007 World Cup.
(The Guardian report)
