Mike Hussey was Friday appointed a consultant coach to the Australian team for next year's blockbuster Ashes series against England and the 2027 World Cup.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
The former Australian batsmen revealed in August that England's new red-ball coach, Stephen Fleming, had informally approached him to be their Test batting mentor.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
But the 51-year-old knocked back the audacious offer and has instead committed himself to helping his home nation arrest a batting crisis highlighted by their recent 2-1 Test series defeat in South Africa.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hussey, known as "Mr Cricket" for his technical expertise, will also provide coaching assistance during this month's home T20 series against England and the subsequent four-Test series against New Zealand.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He will additionally work with Australia during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket is on the agenda, and the T20 World Cup in 2028.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years," said Hussey, who played more than 300 matches for Australia across all formats.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"This team has achieved so much in recent times, to which I hope I can add value to the coaching and playing groups ahead of what will be an exciting and challenging period."<\/p>\r\n\r\n
Hussey has extensive experience as a coach, including with both Australia and England.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
He was part of England's coaching setup when they won the T20 World Cup in 2022 and was the Chennai Super Kings' long-time batting coach under Fleming in the Indian Premier League. He also led Welsh Fire in this year's Hundred.<\/p>\r\n\r\n
"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," said Australian head coach Andrew McDonald.<\/p>\r\n\r\n