Former Australia batter Michael Hussey has turned down an offer from the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) to join England’s men’s cricket team as their batting coach. Hussey was approached for the role by both new Test head coach Stephen Fleming and the ECB, but according to a latest report in The Guardian, the former left-hander has decided against taking up the position.

Hussey’s decision is reportedly linked to an offer from Cricket Australia, which provides him with greater flexibility to continue his existing coaching and media commitments. Rather than taking up a full-time role with England, the Australian is understood to have accepted a part-time consultancy position with Cricket Australia.

“Hussey is believed to have accepted Cricket Australia’s offer of a consultancy role as it gives him the flexibility to continue with existing commitments, such as coaching in the Hundred and other franchise tournaments, as well as commentary and punditry work for Fox Sports in Australia,” the report stated.

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The development leaves the ECB with a decision to make as Fleming continues to build his coaching staff ahead of his first assignment with England. Michael Hussey has previously worked with the English side, serving as a part-time consultant during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2022 in Australia. England went on to win the tournament after defeating Pakistan in the final.

🚨 Michael Hussey has turned the offer from Fleming and ECB to become the new batting coach in Test cricket.

Hussey has instead accepted Cricket Australia’s offer for a consultancy role that gives him flexibility to continue with his existing commitment.

(The Guardian) pic.twitter.com/k8ACisjiHY

— Pratyush Halder (@pratyush_no7) September 2, 2026

With Michael Hussey no longer in contention, England could retain Marcus Trescothick as their batting coach for the Test team. Trescothick is currently serving as England’s stand-in head coach during the ongoing Test series against Pakistan. Under his guidance, England have registered convincing victories in the first two matches of the three-Test series.

Fleming was appointed England’s Test head coach in July and is scheduled to begin his tenure officially during the three-Test tour of South Africa in December 2026 and January 2027. England’s chances of reaching the 2027 World Test Championship (WTC) final are slim, but they will aim to collect maximum points from their remaining fixtures.

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Following the South Africa tour, Fleming will oversee preparations for the 150th anniversary Test against Australia at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in March 2027. That will be followed by the home Ashes series, beginning on June 18, 2027, at Trent Bridge in Nottingham.