Australia have recruited Michael Hussey as a long-term batting consultant to help them prepare for the 2027 Ashes and 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 51-year-old former batter has been added to the national staff as Australia look to improve their form in the longest format, having drawn 1-1 at home to Bangladesh and then lost 2-1 in South Africa in their last two series.
Hussey, who has served as a short-term batting consultant for Australia on a number of occasions in recent years, will start work with the national side when they face England in a five-game T20 series from 21 November. In the T20 format he will help his country prepare for the first Olympic cricket competition in 128 years and the 2028 World Cup, which will be held in Australia and New Zealand in October and November of the same year.
"I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years," Hussey said in a statement. "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."
Australia have suffered a number of poor red-ball batting performances in the last year, including being bowled out for 198 in August as Bangladesh won their first ever Test in Australia. They were also dismissed for 99 and 111 in defeats in the second and third Tests against South Africa. Following the final England T20 on 2 December, they begin a heavy pre-Ashes Test schedule, playing New Zealand at home for four matches before travelling to India for a five-game series.
Hussey did not play Test cricket until he was 30, becoming an all-format regular until his retirement in early 2013. He played 79 Tests, averaging 51.52 with the bat, and won the 2007 50-over World Cup. Australia coach Andrew Mc Donald said Hussey's expertise as a player and coach across multiple formats is invaluable.
Source: BBC Sport · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing