Australia hires Mike Hussey as batting consultant for 2027 World Cup

Australia named Mike Hussey as a consultant coach on Friday.

The 51-year-old former batsman will guide the national team through next year’s Ashes series against England and the 2027 Cricket World Cup. He also committed to assisting during this month’s T20 series against England and a four-Test series against New Zealand.

Hussey rejected an informal offer from England to serve as their Test batting mentor. The request came from new red-ball coach Stephen Fleming in August. Instead, Hussey chose to help Australia recover from a 2-1 Test series loss to South Africa, a result that exposed weaknesses in the lineup.

The appointment extends beyond the immediate schedule. Hussey will support the squad during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket is included, and the 2028 T20 World Cup. He has previously coached for both nations and led the Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. He also managed the Welsh Fire team in this year’s Hundred tournament.

Head coach Andrew McDonald praised the former player’s versatility. McDonald noted that Hussey’s experience across multiple formats and countries adds depth to the current staff. "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," McDonald said. He added that Hussey’s personal qualities are equally important.

Hussey, who played more than 300 matches for Australia, described the role as a meaningful step forward. "I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years," he said. He expressed hope that his input would add value to the group ahead of a challenging period.