Mike Hussey named Australia consultant for 2027 Ashes and World Cup
Mike Hussey was appointed on Friday (November 6, 2026) in Sydney as a consultant coach to the Australian team for next year’s Ashes series against England and the 2027 World Cup. The announcement confirmed Hussey’s formal involvement with the national side across multiple upcoming events.
The 51-year-old, known as "Mr Cricket" for his technical expertise, said he had turned down an informal approach from England’s new red-ball coach, Stephen Fleming, in August and instead committed to helping Australia address a batting crisis highlighted by their recent 2-1 Test series defeat in South Africa. Hussey played more than 300 matches for Australia across all formats during his playing career.
In addition to the Ashes and the 2027 World Cup, the appointment covers multi-year engagement: Hussey will additionally work with Australia during the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket is on the agenda, and the T20 World Cup in 2028. The role is described as a longer-term coaching contribution across formats and tournaments.
Hussey’s coaching CV was cited in the announcement: he was part of England’s coaching setup when they won the T20 World Cup in 2022, served as Chennai Super Kings’ long-time batting coach under Fleming in the Indian Premier League, and led Welsh Fire in this year’s Hundred. Those appointments were noted as part of the experience he brings to the Australian setup.
Commenting on his appointment, Hussey said, "I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years." He added, "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."
Australian head coach Andrew McDonald welcomed the hire, saying, "Mike has been a highly valued part of our staff in the past and brings a considerable skill set which is complementary to the coaches and players." McDonald added, "Not only is his expertise as a player and coach across multiple formats, competitions, countries invaluable, so are his qualities as a person."
Hussey will provide coaching assistance during this month’s home T20 series against England and the subsequent four-Test series against New Zealand. Those assignments were specified in the announcement as the immediate phases of his involvement with the team.
