LONDON — One of Australian cricket’s most respected former Test batters could be preparing to cross one of the biggest lines in international cricket.
Michael Hussey has revealed he is open to joining England’s coaching staff as a batting specialist for the 2027 Ashes, after new England Test head coach Stephen Fleming made an informal approach to his longtime Chennai Super Kings colleague.
But there is a major catch: Hussey has not accepted the role, and no formal offer has yet been made.
Hussey, famously nicknamed “Mr Cricket,” said he would not automatically reject the possibility of coaching England against Australia, despite admitting that the prospect would feel strange.
“I would not say no to anything really,” Hussey told Fox Sports News.
The former Australia international added that his priority as a coach is helping players improve, regardless of their nationality.
That philosophy could make Hussey an intriguing addition to Fleming’s new-look England setup.
From Australian Test great to potential Ashes opponent
Hussey played 79 Tests for Australia and scored 6,235 Test runs, establishing himself as one of the country’s most reliable middle-order batters.
His coaching credentials are also well established.
He previously worked with England as a coaching consultant during their triumphant 2022 T20 World Cup campaign, meaning this would not be his first experience inside the England dressing room. The ECB confirmed Hussey’s role with the side ahead of that tournament.
He has also built an especially close professional relationship with Fleming through the Chennai Super Kings, where the pair have worked together for around 15 years.
Fleming is now attempting to reshape England’s Test side after replacing Brendon McCullum as head coach.
That relationship appears to be one of the biggest reasons Hussey is even being considered.
The end of Bazball?
Fleming’s appointment signals a potential shift in England’s Test philosophy.
While England are unlikely to abandon their attacking identity completely, Hussey believes Fleming could introduce a more measured approach after the volatility of the Bazball era.
Hussey described Fleming as a highly intelligent and “shrewd” coach who understands how to balance aggression with enjoyment, relationships and tactical discipline.
That could be particularly important ahead of the next Ashes.
Australia retained the urn with a 4–1 series victory in the 2025–26 Ashes, but England will have home advantage when the rivalry resumes in 2027.
England have not won the Ashes since 2015, meaning Fleming’s first major challenge will be to build a team capable of reversing a long-running trend against Australia.
Hussey knows exactly what England would be getting
Technically excellent and renowned for his preparation, Hussey could offer England something particularly valuable: an understanding of how elite Australian batters think.
His experience extends beyond his playing career. He has held batting-coaching and consultancy positions and remains heavily involved in professional cricket, giving him insight into both player development and modern T20 tactics.
Former England captain Michael Vaughan has also backed the potential move, arguing that Hussey’s technical expertise could be precisely what England need as they enter the post-Bazball phase.
But Hussey is not rushing into anything.
Family commitments and the amount of time required away from home are among the factors he says he must consider.
And then there is the obvious question:
Can an Australian genuinely coach England against Australia in an Ashes series?
Hussey admits it would feel strange.
But he insists that once the job begins, nationality would not determine his approach.
He would not view himself as coaching against Australia. He would simply be coaching with England.
Why this could become one of the Ashes’ biggest storylines
If Hussey eventually accepts, the 2027 Ashes would contain an extraordinary subplot.
One of Australia’s most respected modern Test batters could find himself sitting inside the England dressing room, helping Joe Root and the next generation of English batters prepare to attack the Australian bowling unit.
And the man potentially responsible for putting Hussey in that position is one of his closest cricketing allies: Stephen Fleming.
For now, however, it remains only a possibility.
There is no formal appointment, no confirmed contract and no guarantee Hussey will accept.
But if Fleming gets his man, England could enter the 2027 Ashes with an Australian legend helping them plot the downfall of Australia.
And that could make an already explosive Ashes rivalry even more personal.
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