Michael Hussey has rejected the offer of batting coach for England by Stephen Fleming and is now with Australia on Ricky Ponting’s advice.
Michael Hussey and Stephen Fleming had seen success together for the IPL franchise Chennai Super Kings, and the coaching duo were set to be together for England’s red-ball team. Fleming had offered the role of batting coach to Michael Hussey, but recent reports suggest that the former Australia great has turned down the offer. Both Fleming and Hussey were in conversation for a long time, so it was seen as a possibility for a potential partnership. But fans have been speculating that this refusal is more of a personal basis. Recent remarks by Ricky Ponting raise some eyebrows about whether this decision was influenced by him.
“I saw Mike Hussey last week and said, ‘If you take that job, I will never speak to you again!’ I think I have scared him off! I am not sure what he is going to do. I believe there might be a job in the pipeline for him around the Australian team, so I am not sure of his status” said Ricky Ponting to Sky Sports in a recent global event.
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Hussey is said to join a part-time consultancy
Hussey is said to join a part-time consultancy for the Pat Cummins-led Australian Team. Australia has been lined up for games and series against South Africa, England, and New Zealand, and later a Test series against India. Hussey would play a key role and will also be flexible with his other commitments given his franchise commitments across the globe.
Rick and Michael
The duo have witnessed Cricket Australia’s peak dominance in world cricket, winning consecutive trophies. 2006 Champions Trophy, the 2007 Cricket World Cup and then again the 2009 Champions Trophy were all their years of triumph for the Kangaroos. They were considered the backbone of the middle order over a period of 6-7 years.
Both share a very fun bond outside the game and are regularly involved in friendly banter during broadcasts, commentary or interviews. Together, they both contributed to coaching duties in franchise cricket, with Pointing being at the helm for IPL teams such as Punjab Kings, Delhi Capitals and Mumbai Indians, whereas Hussey coached Chennai Super Kings.
With Hussey rejecting the role offered by Stephen Fleming, problems have increased for the England and Wales Cricket Board. They need a solid batting coach before the upcoming Ashes, and here are some probable names that could rise and take the role. Marcus Trescothick, who himself used to be an English opener, is a name that keeps popping up in the current scene for England’s batting coach role. Jonathan Trott was also considered before Stephen Fleming took charge.
ricky pontingmichael husseycricket australiaenglandstephen fleming
Source: www.sportscapemagazine.com
