Michael Hussey has declined the England Test batting coach position and accepted a part-time consulting position with Cricket Australia, leaving Stephen Fleming’s support team with a huge void ahead of a challenging international schedule.
Fleming, who took over as England Test coach in late July 2026 after replacing Brendon McCullum, approached Hussey in August 2026 about the batting coach role.
Fleming and Michael Hussey have an 18-year professional association that began with various periods at the Chennai Super Kings in the IPL, where Hussey contributed as both a player and then as batting coach.
Because of their shared history, Michael Hussey was an obvious first target for Fleming as he built his new England squad, making his refusal a significant early defeat for the incoming head coach.
According to The Guardian, the 51-year-old former Australia batter rebuffed the offer, preferring a part-time advisory post with Cricket Australia, a flexible arrangement that would allow him to continue working in franchise cricket and broadcasting rather than a full-time international commitment. Cricket Australia and the England and Wales Cricket Board has not formally acknowledged the decision as of September 2.
Why did Michael Hussey decline the England role?
Michael Hussey decision was based primarily on his wish to retain flexibility. A permanent England position would have forced him to walk away from franchise cricket and broadcasting responsibilities, both of which he was unwilling to give up at this juncture in his career.
His 2026 itinerary already reflected this inclination. During the year, the former Australian batter was the head coach of Welsh Fire in The Hundred, a short-format, high-intensity post that matched his preferred setup.
He had previously joined England’s support group on a part-time basis for the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which England won, indicating that he was willing to contribute to the England setup without a long-term commitment.
The Cricket Australia consultancy follows that paradigm, keeping him involved with Australian cricket on conditions that allow him to maintain his full schedule.
What does England’s vacant batting coach position mean for their forthcoming schedule?
With Michael Hussey unavailable, England must replace the batting coach position amid a time of intense fixture pressure. Marcus Trescothick has been filling in on a temporary basis during the current Test series against Pakistan, which England leads 2-0 heading into September 2026.
Fleming must now secure a permanent appointment before England’s tours of South Africa, Bangladesh, and Australia, which precede a home Ashes series the following summer.
The ECB has not confirmed whether it will seek a new external candidate or formalise Trescothick’s post. The vacancy adds uncertainty to England’s preparation for one of the most congested periods of their 2017 calendar, and the time is ticking fast.
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