Aussies turn to 'Mr Cricket': Former CSK coach joins Australia support staff for Ashes and 2027 World Cup

Mike Hussey was on Friday appointed as a consultant coach to the Australian team for next year's Ashes series against England and the 2027 ODI World Cup.The former Australia batter had revealed in August that England's new red-ball coach, Stephen Fleming, had informally approached him to take up the role of Test batting mentor. However, the 51-year-old turned down the offer and has instead decided to work with Australia as they look to address their batting struggles, which were exposed during their recent 2-1 Test series defeat in South Africa.Hussey, who earned the nickname 'Mr Cricket' for his technical knowledge of the game, will also assist the Australian coaching staff during this month's home T20 series against England and the subsequent four-Test series against New Zealand.His role will extend beyond next year's assignments, with Hussey also set to work with Australia at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics, where cricket will feature, and the 2028 T20 World Cup."I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years," said Hussey, who represented Australia in more than 300 international matches across all formats."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."Hussey has considerable coaching experience, having worked with both Australia and England. He was part of England's coaching setup when they won the T20 World Cup in 2022 and served as Chennai Super Kings' long-time batting coach under Fleming in the Indian Premier League. He also coached Welsh Fire in this year's edition of The Hundred."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," said Australia head coach Andrew McDonald."Not only is his expertise as a player and coach across multiple formats, competitions, countries invaluable, so are his qualities as a person."