Australia Appoints Mike Hussey to Coaching Staff

Australia has added former batter Mike Hussey to its coaching staff. The appointment was announced on Friday. Hussey's role covers the 50-over World Cup in Africa in 2027, the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the T20 World Cup later that year. The 51-year-old Hussey will start his duties during the T20 series against England, which begins on 21 November.

The Australian Test side is under heavy criticism for its recent batting performances. After losing 2-1 to South Africa in October, the team was bowled out for 99 in the second Test in Gqeberha and for 111 in the final match in Cape Town. In August, it suffered a shock nine-wicket defeat at home to Bangladesh, its first Test loss against Bangladesh.

Known as "Mr Cricket", Hussey played 302 matches for Australia. He served as an adviser at the 2016 T20 World Cup in India and held the same role for England, which won the 2022 T20 World Cup in Australia. He spent eight years as batting coach at Chennai Super Kings. Stephen Fleming, who was head coach of the team during that period, is now England's new Test head coach.

Australia head coach Andrew McDonald said Hussey had been a valuable member of the squad in the past and that his experience across multiple formats was invaluable to the team. Hussey said he hopes to contribute to the team and its players in his new role.