Australian Hussey open to Ashes Test role as England make approach

What the report says

Former Australia batter Mike Hussey said he is open to an informal approach from England’s new red-ball coach, Stephen Fleming, about joining the England men’s Test setup as batting coach. Al Jazeera reported that the discussion came after Hussey returned from coaching Welsh Fire in The Hundred and while England prepare to host Australia in the Ashes series next year, scheduled for June through August.

Hussey, a former Australia international known for his batting expertise, said the idea had only been raised casually and that he had not yet seriously weighed it up. He noted that he has previously worked with England in a coaching capacity and acknowledged that serving in that role against Australia would feel unusual, though he said he would not rule anything out. The report said Hussey and Fleming have a long working relationship from their years together at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.

The possible move would be notable because it could place an Australian great on the England side during one of cricket’s most closely watched rivalries. Al Jazeera also noted that Fleming was appointed England’s red-ball coach in late July after the departure of Brendon McCullum from that position, while McCullum remains in charge of England’s white-ball teams. Separately, Hussey has also been working as a commentator and was involved with Chennai Super Kings in the 2026 IPL season.