Australia appoint Michael Hussey to long-term batting role ahead of Ashes and Olympics

Australia have appointed Michael Hussey as a long-term batting consultant, with the 2027 Ashes and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics among the major assignments on his schedule, BBC Sport reported. The 51-year-old former Australia batter will join the national side for the five-match T20 series against England beginning on 21 November, moving into a more sustained role after previous short-term consultancy work.

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The appointment follows a difficult sequence of Test results for Australia. They drew their home series against Bangladesh 1-1 before losing 2-1 in South Africa. Batting collapses featured in both contests: Australia were dismissed for 198 when Bangladesh secured their first Test victory in Australia in August, then made totals of 99 and 111 in defeats in the second and third Tests against South Africa.

Hussey's arrival comes before a packed red-ball programme. After the England T20 series concludes on 2 December, Australia are scheduled to host New Zealand for four Tests and visit India for five. A separate Test against England at the Melbourne Cricket Ground begins on 11 March to mark 150 years of Test cricket. Australia could also qualify for the World Test Championship final at the Oval on 9 June; that appearance is not yet assured.

The five-Test Ashes series is scheduled for 18 June to 2 August. Hussey will also work with Australia at the 2027 ODI World Cup in South Africa, Namibia and Zimbabwe. His T20 responsibilities extend to the Los Angeles Games, where cricket returns to the Olympics after 128 years, and the 2028 T20 World Cup in Australia and New Zealand.

Hussey brings experience from both sides of the Australia-England rivalry. He helped England win the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia as a batting consultant. He is also head coach of Welsh Fire's men's Hundred team and has worked with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. His international playing career included 79 Tests, with a batting average of 51.52, alongside 185 one-day internationals and 38 T20 appearances.

In a statement cited by the BBC, Hussey expressed enthusiasm about taking a more formal role and contributing to Australia's coaches and players. Australia coach Andrew McDonald highlighted his experience across formats, competitions and countries, as well as his personal qualities, in welcoming him back to the staff.