Cricket Australia has appointed former Australian batter Mike Hussey as a consultant coach and T20 advisor, expanding his responsibilities ahead of a demanding international cricket calendar. The experienced campaigner will work with the national team across multiple formats, with his role covering the 2027 Ashes, the ICC Men’s ODI World Cup and the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics. The 51-year-old, popularly known as ‘Mr Cricket’ for his technical knowledge and consistency, will begin his expanded assignment during Australia’s upcoming T20I series against England in November 2026.

He will also provide coaching support during the Test series against New Zealand, working alongside head coach Andrew McDonald and the wider coaching staff. Michael Hussey’s appointment comes after Australia suffered a 2-1 Test series defeat against South Africa. With the team preparing for several important assignments over the next 12 months, Cricket Australia believes his experience can strengthen its coaching structure and provide additional support to players.

“I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years. 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,” Michael Hussey said in an official statement.

ALSO READ: Vijay Dahiya Makes Special Request To Virat Kohli Ahead Of Vijay Hazare Trophy

The dual appointment is particularly important as Australia face a busy schedule involving significant Test commitments alongside major T20 competitions. Hussey’s involvement is expected to help the coaching group manage the workload while ensuring the team remains prepared for its upcoming white-ball challenges. He is already familiar with Australia’s coaching environment, having previously worked as a short-term batting consultant under McDonald. His assignments included a stint with the national side during a Perth Test.

Michael Hussey also declined an opportunity to join Stephen Fleming’s England Test coaching setup, choosing to maintain his connection with Australian cricket. Cricket Australia’s head of national teams, Ben Oliver, welcomed the appointment and highlighted the experience Hussey brings to the role. The former batter represented Australia more than 300 times during his celebrated international career and has also developed considerable coaching experience across domestic and franchise cricket.

Mike Hussey will return to Australian ranks as the national men’s side strengthens their coaching team ahead of a bumper two years.

MORE: https://t.co/9k8b33s9Me https://t.co/1PGugXme7Q

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 6, 2026

“We are thrilled to have Mike expand his role with the team. Mike brings substantial international experience having represented Australia more than 300 times across his celebrated playing career. 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,” Ben Oliver said.

Hussey’s coaching background includes involvement in the Indian Premier League (IPL), The Hundred and English cricket. His exposure to different T20 environments is expected to prove valuable as Australia prepare for upcoming global competitions.

“With a heavy schedule of Test cricket over the coming 12 months Mike will work closely with team management, coaches and selectors to provide additional T20 support during this time. Mike has extensive T20 experience and we look forward to the impact that he will have on the team as we prepare for the LA Olympics and T20 World Cup in 2028,” Oliver added.

ALSO READ: Venkatesh Iyer Reveals How Gautam Gambhir Created A High-Pressure Environment At KKR

Head coach Andrew McDonald also expressed his satisfaction with Hussey’s expanded responsibilities, describing his experience and personal qualities as valuable additions to the coaching group. “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. Not only is his expertise as a player and coach across multiple formats, competitions, countries invaluable, so are his qualities as a person,” McDonald said.

Australia’s preparations for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup, which Australia and New Zealand will jointly host, are central to Hussey’s advisory role. Cricket will return to the Olympic programme at the LA Games, making the assignment particularly significant.

Hussey also brings experience from England’s successful 2022 T20 World Cup campaign, having been part of the coaching setup that helped the team win the tournament. That experience further strengthens his credentials as Australia look to build a competitive T20 side for the challenges ahead.