Stephen Fleming targets Michael Hussey for England batting coach role

Newly appointed England Test coach Stephen Fleming has reached out to former Australia batter Michael Hussey to gauge his interest in joining the England coaching staff as batting coach. Fleming was named England Test coach on July 30, 2026, and is set to take charge from the South Africa winter tour in December 2026.

Hussey, 51, has not yet made a decision on whether he is available for the role. He is currently coaching Welsh Fire in The Hundred, which means any formal move would need to account for his existing commitments.

What is the background to the Fleming and Hussey connection?

Fleming and Hussey share a long association through their time at Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Fleming served as coach at the franchise while Hussey was first a star player and later an assistant coach. The two spent 15 years together at Chennai Super Kings, building a working relationship that clearly informs Fleming's interest in bringing Hussey into the England setup.

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Hussey last represented Australia in 2012, meaning he has been out of international playing duties for 14 years. Since retiring, he has built a coaching career that has taken him through franchise cricket, including his current role with Welsh Fire. Fleming and Hussey also worked alongside Eric Simmons at Chennai Super Kings during their time together at the IPL franchise.

What is the current England coaching arrangement ahead of the Pakistan series?

With Fleming not due to take formal charge until the South Africa tour in December 2026, Marcus Trescothick will serve as interim England coach for the Pakistan series beginning August 19, 2026. David Saker remains in place as England bowling coach for that series.

The composition of Fleming's permanent backroom staff beyond the Hussey approach has not been confirmed. South African sources have suggested Fleming may target Eric Simmons, with whom he worked at Chennai Super Kings, to replace Saker as bowling coach, though this remains unresolved speculation at this stage.