Cricket Australia has appointed Mike Hussey as a consultant coach and T20 advisor, with his remit covering the 2027 Ashes, the ICC Men's ODI World Cup and the 2028 LA Olympics. The 51-year-old, widely known as 'Mr Cricket' for his technical expertise, will begin his expanded role during Australia's upcoming T20I series against England in November 2026.

Hussey's appointment follows Australia's 2-1 Test series defeat to South frica. He will also provide coaching assistance during the Test series against New Zealand, supporting Head Coach Andrew McDonald and the broader coaching group across both formats.

"I am extremely excited about being a part of the team in a more formal and meaningful role in the coming years. 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 expressed upon his appointment in an official statement.

Australia face a demanding stretch of international cricket over the next 12 months, with Test commitments running alongside significant T20 targets. The dual appointment as consultant coach and T20 advisor reflects Cricket Australia's intent to manage that workload without stretching the existing coaching staff.

Hussey has previously undertaken short-term batting consultant assignments with the Australian team under McDonald, including a stint at a Perth Test in recent years. He turned down an opportunity to join Stephen Fleming's England Test coaching setup, choosing instead to remain connected to Australian cricket.

"We are thrilled to have Mike expand his role with the team. Mike brings substantial international experience having represented Australia more than 300 times across his celebrated playing career. He also has a deep knowledge of Australian domestic cricket and coaching experience that will be of great support to Andrew, his coaching team and the playing group," Ben Oliver, the head of national teams, said.

Oliver underlined the significance of Hussey's T20 credentials for those assignments. Hussey's coaching background spans the IPL, The Hundred and England, giving him exposure to franchise and international T20 environments across multiple countries. That breadth of experience, combined with his record of representing Australia in more than 300 matches across all formats, underpins his suitability for the dual role.

"With a heavy schedule of Test cricket over the coming 12 months Mike will work closely with team management, coaches and selectors to provide additional T20 support during this time. Mike has extensive T20 experience and we look forward to the impact that he will have on the team as we prepare for the LA Olympics and T20 World Cup in 2028." Oliver said.

"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. Not only is his expertise as a player and coach across multiple formats, competitions, countries invaluable, so are his qualities as a person." Andrew McDonald, the head coach added.

What Experience Does Hussey Carry?

The 2028 LA Olympics, where cricket will feature for the first time in the modern Games, and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup that Australia and New Zealand will jointly host in 2028 are the headline targets attached to Hussey's T20 advisory role. His appointment is structured to build continuity across both events.

As a specific honourable mention, Hussey was part of the coaching setup that contributed to England's ICC Men's T20 World Cup victory in 2022, a campaign that further sharpened his understanding of the short format at the highest level.