Mike Hussey open to England batting consultant role for Ashes series

Former Australia batter Mike Hussey has said he is open to helping England with their batting during next year’s Ashes series after being approached by England head coach Stephen Fleming.

Fleming took over as England’s Test coach in July after replacing fellow New Zealander Brendon McCullum. Fleming and Hussey have worked together for the last 15 years with IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.

Hussey said he was not sure whether Fleming’s approach was serious, but he would not reject the idea immediately. "There is a lot of different things to consider. My short answer is I would not say no to anything really," Hussey told Fox Sports News, as quoted by Reuters.

"I love the coaching side of the game. I love trying to help players get better whether they are Australians, English, South Africans, Pakistan or India or anywhere, it does not bother me."

Hussey, who scored 6,235 runs in 79 Tests for Australia, was England’s batting consultant when they won the 2022 T20 World Cup. He admitted it felt unusual wearing England colours because of the rivalry between the two countries.

"It would feel a bit weird – definitely – coaching for England against Australia in an Ashes series, no question," Hussey added. "But if that is your job and that is what you are doing you just get on with it. I don't feel as if I am coaching against a team – that’s the thing. I sort of feel as if I am coaching with a team whether it is against Australia or South Africa or some other team."

"I won't be rushing into a decision. I have a very close relationship with Stephen Fleming and that has an impact on it as well. The time away from family is a real thing for me. I am not in a position to say yay or nay any time soon."

Hussey also backed Fleming to do well as England coach and said he expects the team to keep playing positive cricket but with more control than in the previous era.

"He has a very good understanding of the game," he said. "Very shrewd operator who gets that balance between enjoyment and fun and relationships. He has a great chance to do well. He wants to keep the game moving forward but perhaps not as recklessly as England have been recently. He will try and be a bit smarter with it."

England will host Australia in the Ashes in June, July and August next year as they try to regain the urn for the first time since 2015.