Mike Hussey handed expanded Australia coaching role ahead of Ashes, World Cup and LA Olympics

Melbourne, 6 November 2026: Hussey, affectionately known as Mr Cricket, has been appointed a consultant coach for Australia’s 2027 Ashes and ICC Men's Cricket World Cup campaigns, while also taking on a specialist T20 advisory role ahead of the Los Angeles Olympics and the 2028 ICC Men's T20 World Cup.

The appointment strengthens Australia's coaching resources at a time when managing the demands of three formats and preparing for major international tournaments will be critical.

The former left-handed batter is no stranger to the Australian dressing room, having previously assisted the national side during recent home summers. His expanded involvement will begin with Australia's upcoming T20 international series against England, followed by preparations for the Test series against New Zealand.

Hussey represented Australia in more than 300 international matches across Tests, ODIs and T20Is, establishing himself as one of the country's most dependable middle-order batters.

Since retiring from international cricket, he has developed an extensive coaching career across international and franchise cricket.

His coaching experience includes working with England during their successful 2022 T20 World Cup campaign, as well as roles in the Indian Premier League and The Hundred.

That combination of international experience and exposure to modern T20 cricket is expected to be particularly valuable as Australia prepares for the shortest format's biggest upcoming tournaments.

Hussey’s specialist T20 responsibilities will extend beyond traditional coaching duties. He will contribute to campaign planning, opposition analysis, player identification and performance strategies, providing additional support to Australia's selectors and coaching staff.

With a demanding Test schedule ahead, his appointment will also allow the Australian coaching group to maintain a dedicated focus on white-ball preparations.

Cricket Australia General Manager of National Teams Ben Oliver welcomed the expanded arrangement, highlighting Hussey's experience at both domestic and international levels.

"We are thrilled to have Mike expand his role with the team," Oliver said.

"He also has a deep knowledge of Australian domestic cricket and coaching experience that will be of great support to Andrew, his coaching team and the playing group."

For Hussey, the expanded appointment represents an opportunity to make a more substantial contribution to Australia's long-term plans.

"I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years," Hussey said.

"This team has achieved so much in recent times, to which I hope I can add value to the coaching and playing groups ahead of what will be an exciting and challenging period."

Australian head coach Andrew McDonald also backed the appointment, praising both Hussey's cricket knowledge and his contribution to the team's environment.

"Mike has been a highly valued part of our staff in the past and brings a considerable skill set which is complementary to the coaches and players," McDonald said.

"Not only is his expertise as a player and coach across multiple formats, competitions, countries invaluable, so are his qualities as a person."