Australian Hussey open to Ashes Test role as England make approach

Australian great Mike Hussey could face his own country in the Ashes after saying he was open to joining England as their Test batting coach.

Key points

• England host Australia in the Ashes in June, July and August next year, looking to take possession of the urn for the first time since 2015.
• Should Hussey accept, it could see him plotting the downfall of Australia with Fleming when they tour England for the Ashes series next year.
• Fleming was appointed coach in late July after the sacking of fellow New Zealander Brendon McCullum.
• "We obviously get on really well and work a lot together, " former Test stalwart Hussey informed Fox Sports, where he is employed as a commentator.
• So it was just a bit of a passing comment, really saying, 'Look, what do you reckon?

Hussey has had an informal approach from England's new red-ball coach Stephen Fleming, the duo having spent 15 years as teammates and then coaches at Indian Premier League side Chennai Super Kings.

"So it was just a bit of a passing comment, really saying, 'Look, what do you reckon? Would you think regarding being the batting coach?'".

Hussey, known as "Mr Cricket" for his technical expertise, has just returned home after coaching Welsh Fire in The Hundred and remarked he had not given it proper consideration yet.

"To be honest, I have not been able to give it any thought whatsoever, " he remarked.

"Would I? I mean, I wouldn't say never to anything really. I just love the coaching side of the game, and just to be able to work with different players."

Should Hussey accept, it could see him plotting the downfall of Australia with Fleming when they tour England for the Ashes series next year. Hussey admitted it would "feel a bit weird".

"I have worked with England once before at the T20 World Cup (in 2022), and I must admit it did feel very weird pulling on that training shirt for the first time, " he remarked.

But once you obtain in the nets and you start working with players, you sort of almost forget what shirt you've secured on.

"So, look, I haven't fully considered anything at this stage. I'm sort of just trying to take a bit of a break from it all right now and will offer it some thought in due course."

Fleming was appointed coach in late July after the sacking of fellow New Zealander Brendon McCullum. This person remains in charge of England's white-ball teams.

For now, australian Hussey open to Ashes Test role as England make approach remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.