Former Australia batter Michael Hussey has said he is open to helping England with their batting during next year’s Ashes series. He was approached by England head coach Stephen Fleming.

Fleming took over as England’s Test coach in July after replacing Brendon McCullum. Fleming and Hussey have worked together for the last 15 years with IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings.

Hussey said he was not sure whether Fleming’s approach was serious, but he would not reject the idea immediately. He said he loves coaching and helping players get better, regardless of their nationality. He does not see it as coaching against a team but as coaching with a team.

Hussey admitted it would feel a bit weird coaching England against Australia in an Ashes series. He said the rivalry between the two countries makes it unusual. He had previously been England’s batting consultant when they won the 2022 T20 World Cup.

Hussey said he would not rush into a decision. He has a close relationship with Fleming, which would have an impact. However, time away from family is a real consideration for him.

Hussey backed Fleming to do well as England coach. He said Fleming has a very good understanding of the game and gets the balance between enjoyment and relationships. He expects England to keep playing positive cricket but with more control than in the previous era.

Mike Hussey Reveals Why Stephen Fleming Has “Fire and Ice” as a Coach

Mike Hussey has worked closely with Stephen Fleming for nearly 20 years. They played together and worked as coaches at Chennai Super Kings in the IPL. Hussey believes Fleming is a great fit for the England Test coach role.

Hussey said Fleming has strong man-management skills. He balances being organized and strategic with keeping things relaxed and fun. He respects the traditions of the game but also pushes boundaries.

Hussey dismissed concerns about Fleming’s lack of red-ball coaching experience. He said coaching traits are transferable from white-ball to red-ball cricket. Fleming also played over 100 Test matches himself, so he understands the fundamentals of the game.

Hussey said Fleming seemed cool and calm as a player. But as a coach, Hussey saw a different side. Fleming is passionate and gets angry when things go wrong. He remains calm in front of the players but expresses his frustrations to the coaching staff. Hussey described him as having “fire and ice.”

Hussey was approached by Fleming to become England’s batting coach. He said he would not rush into a decision. He loves coaching and helping players improve, regardless of their nationality. He admitted it would feel a bit weird coaching England against Australia in an Ashes series. He had previously worked with England during their successful T20 World Cup campaign in 2022.

Hussey said time away from family is a real consideration. That was ultimately why he retired from playing. He is currently head coach of Welsh Fire in The Hundred and does some commentary in Australia. He is not saying yes or no anytime soon.

Hussey believes Joe Root and Fleming will complement each other well. Both love talking about the game and exploring ways to improve. Hussey thinks they will work well together.

What Joe Root Needs in His Second England Captaincy Spell

Mark Ramprakash saw how conscientious Root was in the role. He called Root a grounded individual and a fabulous player. He also called him his own best coach, always first in the nets and last out.

Ramprakash hopes Root can have more fun in his second spell as captain. He hopes Root can see the bigger picture and not get bogged down. Playing under Ben Stokes should have taught him that.

Ramprakash believes Root needed a more proactive approach from his head coach. He expects Fleming to challenge Root and broaden the number of players who think like leaders. Fleming is both an experienced coach and a former Test captain himself.

Ramprakash said the whole captaincy appointment has been a mess. The outcome feels like a halfway house. Sections of the management have been bullish, only to see their aggressive philosophy exposed in Australia.

Ramprakash is surprised Rehan Ahmed is not being invested in. He believes England need a spin-bowling all-rounder at No. 7. He also finds it limiting that Dan Lawrence will bowl part-time off-breaks. He believes the team should assess the pitch before working out the balance of the attack.

Ramprakash said the batters will face a challenge adjusting after weeks of white-ball cricket. They must play later and tighter to the body in Test cricket. He advised them to watch Root’s body language and tempo at the crease. He is amazed more players do not try to copy him.

FAQs

Q. Why could Michael Hussey join England’s coaching staff?

A. Stephen Fleming approached Hussey about becoming England’s batting coach.

Q. Would Hussey coach England against Australia?

A. Hussey is open to it but admits it would feel unusual during the Ashes.

Q. Why is Hussey not making a quick decision?

A. Hussey is considering the time away from his family and other commitments.

Q. What does Hussey think about Stephen Fleming?

A. Hussey believes Fleming is a strong coach with excellent man-management skills.

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