‘I Would Not Say No’: Michael Hussey Opens Door to England Batting Coach Role

Michael Hussey is considering a potential role as England's batting coach after newly appointed Test head coach Stephen Fleming informally approached the former Australia batter about joining his coaching staff.

Hussey and Fleming have a long-standing relationship dating back almost 15 years with Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League, where they worked together as teammates and later as coach and player. That relationship could now see Hussey take up a role on the other side of the Ashes rivalry.

Speaking to Fox Sports, Hussey revealed that Fleming had raised the possibility of him joining England's coaching setup.

"We (Fleming and I) obviously get on really well and work a lot together," Hussey said. "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, who is currently involved with CSK as a batting coach, did not rule out the possibility but made clear that he is not ready to make a decision immediately.

"There is a lot of different things to consider. My short answer is I would not say no to anything really," he said.

The prospect of coaching England against Australia in an Ashes series would nevertheless represent an unusual situation for the 51-year-old, who spent his entire international career representing Australia.

"It would feel a bit weird - definitely - coaching for England against Australia in an Ashes series, no question," Hussey admitted.

Hussey's relationship with Fleming could prove decisive

Hussey's close relationship with Fleming is one of the factors he is considering as he weighs up the opportunity.

The pair have spent years working together at CSK, giving Fleming a strong understanding of Hussey's coaching methods and approach to batting.

Hussey also has previous experience working with England, having been part of the coaching setup during their successful 2022 T20 World Cup campaign.

He stressed that coaching players from another country would not necessarily create a conflict for him.

"I love the coaching side of the game. I love trying to help players get better whether they are Australians, English, South Africans, Pakistan or India or anywhere, it does not bother me," he said.

"I don't feel as if I am coaching against a team - that's the thing. I sort of feel as if I am coaching with a team whether it is against Australia or South Africa or some other team."

The biggest consideration may instead be the demands of the role away from cricket.

"The time away from family is a real thing for me," Hussey said. "I am not in a position to say yay or nay any time soon."

Hussey backs Fleming to change England's approach

Hussey also offered a positive assessment of Fleming's appointment as England's Test coach, backing his long-time colleague to bring a measured approach to the role.

He believes Fleming can retain England's attacking identity while avoiding some of the excesses of their recent approach.

"He has a very good understanding of the game. Very shrewd operator who gets that balance between enjoyment and fun and relationships," Hussey said.

"He has a great chance to do well. He wants to keep the game moving forward but perhaps not as recklessly as England have been recently. He will try and be a bit smarter with it."

For now, there is no confirmation that Hussey will join Fleming's England staff. But with the pair's extensive history at CSK, Hussey's previous experience with England and Fleming's informal approach, the possibility of an Australian great helping prepare England's batters for future Ashes battles has already emerged as an intriguing prospect.