Michael Hussey weighing up offer to be England’s batting coach, latest news

Michael Hussey has admitted a role as England’s batting coach “would be exciting”, as he weighs up an offer from incoming coach Stephen Fleming.

The former Australian great has been linked to the role in recent weeks, with Fleming’s arrival coming amid a shake-up of the England Test team’s off-field set-up.

Receiving a gentle grilling on the issue from Fox Cricket Brendon Julian and Kerry O’Keeffe during The Big Break, Hussey revealed how Fleming —who has previously worked with him at Chennai Super Kings in the IPL — approached him with the offer.

Watch every ball of Australia vs Bangladesh Test Series live and ad-break free during play with Fox Cricket on Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.

“This is what’s happened: I’ve worked with Stephen Fleming for a long time, we’ve got a very good relationship at Chennai Super Kings. He’s now the red-ball coach for England,” Hussey said.

“He has inquired, he’s just said “Look, Huss, would you be interested in being the batting coach?”

“I’m just taking some time, I’m not making any decisions anytime soon, just thinking about it.”

“That sounds like negotiation! Because I’m wanting the coin.” fellow former Australian great Brendon Julian laughed.

“It’s not gone that far,” Hussey insisted.

“Just an off the cuff conversation, what do you reckon?

“I said look, I’m not considering anything at the moment.”

However, the 51-year old admitted he is open to the switch and the chance to expand his horizons to another national set-up.

“It must be humbling that the incoming England coach wants you as his assistant.” Kerry O’Keeffe inquired.

“It would be exciting, in the fact that you’re working with a new country, a new team that you haven’t had experience with before,” Hussey said.

“That certainly interests me.

“But as I said, there’s a few balls that I’ve got in the air – Welsh Fire, Chennai Super Kings ... plus my son! I’ve got to throw balls to my son in the backyard as well.

“There’s a lot to consider, I’m not rushing into any decision.”

Hussey was more forthcoming on Ben Stokes’ abrupt retirement during England’s series loss to New Zealand, saying he “would not be surprised” to see the all-rounder return for the Ashes next year.

“It was a bit of a bizarre retirement, happening mid-series, mid-Test match.” he said.

“I think every player who retires, they kind of get to a place where they know they’ve had enough, and Stokes obviously picked that time.

“I thought it was a little bit messy, definitely.

“I would not rule out a comeback, though. He’s done it before in one-day cricket for England, there’s the Ashes coming up next year as well.

“I would not be surprised if there’s a comeback on the cards.”

Click here to read article