Mike Hussey joins Australia coaching staff for upcoming Ashes and World Cup campaigns

Cricket Australia has secured the services of former international batter Mike Hussey, appointing the veteran as a consultant coach for a series of high-profile assignments. The move, confirmed on Friday, will see the man affectionately known as 'Mr Cricket' work closely with the national squad as they prepare for the upcoming Ashes series against England and the 2027 ODI World Cup.

Hussey’s appointment follows a period of speculation regarding his future in international coaching. The 51-year-old had previously disclosed in August that he was informally approached by England’s red-ball coach, Stephen Fleming, to join their setup as a batting mentor. Ultimately, Hussey declined that interest, opting instead to bolster the Australian coaching ranks following the team's recent 2-1 Test series loss in South Africa.

Reflecting on his return to the national setup, Hussey expressed enthusiasm about the opportunity to contribute to the squad's development. Having represented Australia in over 300 international matches, he brings a wealth of experience to the role. He noted that he hopes to add significant value to both the coaching and playing groups as the team navigates a challenging period of international fixtures.

Australian head coach Andrew McDonald welcomed the appointment, highlighting the unique blend of technical knowledge and personal qualities that Hussey brings to the dressing room. McDonald emphasized that Hussey’s extensive experience across different formats, countries, and competitions makes him a highly valued addition to the current support staff, noting that his skill set is expected to complement the existing coaching structure perfectly.