Stephen Fleming contacts Michael Hussey over England batting coach role

On August 5, 2026, New England Test head coach Stephen Fleming approached former Australia batter Michael Hussey about becoming England's batting coach, a report in SEN said. The England and Wales Cricket Board has not made a formal offer, and Hussey, 51, who is currently coaching Welsh Fire in The Hundred, has yet to decide whether he will make himself available for the position.

Fleming is reportedly favouring Hussey as his preferred appointment as England prepare for a new phase in red-ball cricket, and the approach would reunite two figures who have worked together for nearly two decades. The pair first met at the inaugural Indian Premier League in 2008 while associated with Chennai Super Kings. Fleming had a single-season playing stint with the franchise before being appointed head coach in 2009. Hussey played for CSK from 2008 to 2015, scoring exactly 2,213 runs in 64 matches before moving into coaching after his retirement.

Across roughly 15 years at CSK the duo operated in different roles, with Hussey initially starring as a batter and later joining the coaching staff. Hussey won the Orange Cap in 2013 after scoring 733 runs. Together they were part of CSK campaigns that produced multiple IPL titles and a culture described in reports as built around consistency, experience and calm leadership.

That long-standing working relationship ended earlier this year when Fleming parted ways with Chennai Super Kings following the 2026 IPL season. Fleming's familiarity with Hussey's coaching methods and player-management skills is reported to have made Hussey his first choice to oversee England's batting unit. Media reports also indicate Fleming could target former CSK bowling coach Eric Simons to bolster the pace bowling department.

Although Fleming has been appointed England's permanent Test coach, he will not immediately take charge of the side. Marcus Trescothick will oversee England's three-Test home series against Pakistan, which starts on August 19. Australian bowling coach David Saker will continue in his role for that Pakistan series.

Hussey's decision on availability remains outstanding while Trescothick leads the Pakistan series from August 19, and Fleming is scheduled to officially begin his tenure when England tour South Africa for three Tests starting on December 17 in Johannesburg.