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Former Australian cricketer Michael Hussey has said that he had a discussion with Stephen Fleming over becoming England’s batting coach, but nothing has been decided yet and he has kept himself available for the same.
Fleming was appointed England men’s Test head coach last month, succeeding Brendon McCullum as the red-ball team enters a new era, with Joe Root also returning as skipper.
The former New Zealand captain will take charge after the ongoing Test series against Pakistan, with England’s winter tour of South Africa all set to be his first assignment.
“We obviously get on really well and work a lot together. So, it was just a bit of a passing comment, really saying, ‘Look, what do you reckon? Would you think about being the batting coach?" Hussey said while speaking on Fox Sports.
The prospect would see one of Australia’s most celebrated Test batters step into the England dressing room ahead of the 2027 Ashes on home soil. Hussey admitted that switching teams for cricket’s oldest rivalry would take some getting used to, but he didn’t rule out the possibility.
“There are a lot of different things to consider. My short answer is I wouldn’t say no to anything really. It would feel a bit weird, definitely, coaching for England against Australia in an Ashes series, no question," Hussey said.
For the 51-year-old, the decision goes beyond cricket. Hussey added that the demands of spending long periods away from his family would need to be weighed against his close relationship with Fleming.
“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. I am not in a position to say yay or nay any time soon," Hussey said.
It wouldn’t be Hussey’s first stint with England, either. He joined their coaching staff as a consultant during the 2022 T20 World Cup Down Under, where England went on to lift the title.
Michael Hussey has discussed the possibility of becoming England's batting coach with Stephen Fleming, but no decision has been made yet. He has kept himself available for the role.
If Michael Hussey becomes England's batting coach, it would mean one of Australia's most celebrated Test batters would be in the England dressing room ahead of the 2027 Ashes. Hussey has previously worked with England as a consultant during the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, helping them win the title.
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