Aussies swoop on Hussey in boost to coaching ranks

Batting great Mike Hussey will return to Australia's ranks as the national men's side strengthens their coaching team ahead of a bumper two years of high-profile series and global events.

Cricket Australia today announced Hussey, who averaged more than 51 in 79 Tests, would join the men's team as a consultant coach for next year's Ashes and ODI World Cup in southern Africa.

The Australian Cricket Hall of Famer will also take on a role as T20 advisor for the national side ahead of two major tournaments in 2028 – the Los Angeles Olympics and T20 World Cup to be played in Australia and New Zealand.

The 51-year-old will start almost immediately, with Hussey to provide coaching assistance during the upcoming five-match T20I series against England, which begins later this month, as well as this summer's Test series against New Zealand.

He has filled similar roles with the Australian team in recent summers, most notably joining the squad at training in Perth ahead of the first Test against England, India and Pakistan over the past three years.

It's part of an extensive coaching portfolio Hussey has developed since his playing retirement in 2016, with includes time with both Australia and England national teams.

The left-hander was part of Matthew Mott's coaching panel when England won the T20 World Cup the last time the tournament was hosted in Australia in 2022.

Hussey was also Chennai Super Kings' long-time batting coach under Stephen Fleming and led Welsh Fire in this year's Hundred. His was touted as a candidate to return to the England coaching set-up after Fleming was appointed Test coach earlier this year before CA swooped in.

Hussey said he was thrilled to be back with the Aussie team in a more formal and meaningful role going forward.

"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," he said in a statement on Friday.

Head coach Andrew McDonald added: "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.

"Not only is his expertise as a player and coach across multiple formats, competitions, countries invaluable, so are his qualities as a person."

Ben Oliver, CA's general manager of national teams, said Hussey's T20 advisor role would see him provide a range of specific expertise, including campaign strategies, opposition insights, player scouting and performance.

Hussey represented his country in 302 internationals across all formats between 2005 and 2013 and was part of Australia ODI World Cup triumph in 2007 and the Ashes whitewash in 2006-07.

He also produced one of the T20 World Cup's most memorable knocks in 2010 when he blazed 60 not out from 24 balls to lift Australia back from the dead in a semi-final against Pakistan.

Australia v England ODI & T20I Series 2026

First ODI: November 13, Perth Stadium, 2:30pm AEDT (D/N)

Second ODI: November 15, Adelaide Oval, 2:30pm AEDT (D/N)

Third ODI: November 18, Bellerive Oval, Hobart, 2:30pm AEDT (D/N)

Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Cameron Green, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Spencer Johnson, Ollie Peake, Matthew Renshaw, Liam Scott, Adam Zampa.

England squad: Harry Brook (c), Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, Sonny Baker, Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Ben Duckett, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Joe Root, Josh Tongue

First T20I: November 21, MCG, 7:15pm AEDT

Second T20I: November 24, Gold Coast Stadium, 7:15pm AEDT

Third T20I: November 27, The Gabba, 7:15pm AEDT

Fourth T20I: November 29, SCG, 7:15pm AEDT

Fifth T20I: December 2, Manuka Oval, 7:15pm AEDT

Australia squad: Mitchell Marsh (c), Xavier Bartlett, Mahli Beardman, Nikhil Chaudhary, Tim David, Joel Davies, Jack Edwards, Nathan Ellis, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Sam Harper, Spencer Johnson, Mitch Owen, Lachlan Shaw, Adam Zampa

England squad: Harry Brook (c), Tom Banton, Jacob Bethell, James Coles, Jordan Cox, Henry Crocombe, Sam Curran, Liam Dawson, Aneurin Donald, Eddie Jack, Will Jacks, Jamie Overton, Adil Rashid, Thomas Rew, Phil Salt, Luke Wood.