Former Australia Test batter Mike Hussey is open to joining England’s coaching staff for next year’s Ashes, after new Test coach Stephen Fleming sounded him out about a possible batting role. The prospect would reunite two long-time Chennai Super Kings colleagues on the opposite side of one of cricket’s biggest rivalries.
Fleming and Hussey were both part of the CSK coaching set-up most recently during IPL 2026, continuing a relationship that has stretched across 15 years. Fleming’s appointment as England Test coach has now opened the possibility of Hussey following him into the England set-up.
Speaking to Fox Sports News, Hussey said he would not immediately rule out Fleming’s approach, although he remains undecided about taking up the role.
“There is a lot of different things to consider. My short answer is I would not say no to anything really,” Hussey said.
“I love the coaching side of the game. I love trying to help players get better whether they are Australians, English, South Africans, Pakistan or India or anywhere, it does not bother me.”
Hussey, who scored 6,235 runs in 79 Tests for Australia, has already worked with England once, helping them win the 2022 T20 World Cup. An Ashes role, however, would put him in the unusual position of preparing Australia’s biggest rivals to face his former team.
HUSSEY WEIGHS ASHES RETURN
The 50-year-old admitted that the prospect would feel strange, but said his focus as a coach would remain on helping the team he works with.
“It would feel a bit weird, definitely, coaching for England against Australia in an Ashes series, no question,” Hussey said.
“But if that is your job and that is what you are doing you just get on with it. I don’t feel as if I am coaching against a team. That’s the thing. I sort of feel as if I am coaching with a team whether it is against Australia or South Africa or some other team.”
Hussey also stressed that family commitments mean he is in no hurry to make a decision. His relationship with Fleming, however, could play a part in whether he accepts the opportunity.
“I won’t be rushing into a decision. I have a very close relationship with Stephen Fleming and that has an impact on it as well. The time away from family is a real thing for me,” he said.
FLEMING’S ENGLAND VISION
Hussey believes Fleming is well suited to take England forward after the end of Brendon McCullum’s tenure. He expects the former New Zealand captain to retain England’s attacking intent while bringing greater control to their approach.
“He has a very good understanding of the game,” Hussey said. “Very shrewd operator who gets that balance between enjoyment and fun and relationships.”
“He wants to keep the game moving forward but perhaps not as recklessly as England have been recently. He will try and be a bit smarter with it.”
England will host Australia in the Ashes from June to August next year, aiming to regain the urn for the first time since 2015. For CSK, Hussey’s potential move would also create a notable vacancy in a coaching structure where he and Fleming have worked together for years.
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