Former Australian great Mike Hussey has revealed he could face his own national team in the Ashes after expressing openness to joining England as an assistant batting coach.
England will host Australia in the Ashes series in June, July and August next year, aiming to reclaim the Urn for the first time since 2015.
Hussey said he has been informally approached by England's new red-ball coach, Stephen Fleming. The pair spent 15 years as teammates and then coaches at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League.
“We know each other very well and have worked together a lot,” former Australia mainstay Hussey told Fox Sports, where he works as a commentator.
“It was just a little joke like, 'Hey, what do you think? Would you consider being a batting coach?'”
Hussey, known as “Mr Cricket” for his technical mastery, has just returned home after coaching Welsh Fire in The Hundred and said he has not yet fully considered the offer.
“Honestly, I haven't had time to think about it yet,” he said.
“Am I willing? I think I never say no to anything. I love the coaching side of the game and just want to work with different players.”
If he agrees, Hussey could join Fleming in plotting Australia's downfall when England host them in next year's Ashes. Hussey admitted it would “feel a bit strange”.
“I've worked with England once before at the T20 World Cup (in 2022), and I must admit the first time I put on their training kit, it felt very odd,” he said.
“But once you get into the nets and start working with the players, you almost forget which team's shirt you're wearing.”
“So, at this stage, I haven't considered anything. I'm trying to take a break and will think about it at the right time.”
Fleming was appointed coach in late July after fellow New Zealander Brendon McCullum was sacked. McCullum continues to oversee England's white-ball teams.
