Michael Hussey has turned down the chance to become England’s Test batting coach. He had talks with Stephen Fleming last month but has opted to stay in Australia instead. He has accepted a part-time consultancy role with Cricket Australia.
The decision is a boost for Pat Cummins’ side ahead of next year’s Ashes. Hussey’s new deal gives him flexibility to continue with his other commitments. These include coaching in the Hundred, franchise tournaments, and commentary work for Fox Sports.
Hussey was Welsh Fire’s head coach this year. He has also worked as a batting coach for Chennai Super Kings. Fleming worked closely with him for 18 years at CSK but could not persuade him to join England.
Fleming will continue searching for a batting coach. England may keep Marcus Trescothick, who has impressed in a caretaker role. They could also appoint a new head of batting coaching across development teams.
Former Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq has resigned from the national selection committee. His decision came after Pakistan dropped seven players and changed coaches midway through the Test series against England.
The PCB contacted selectors seeking written explanations for some picks. These included Imam-ul-Haq and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan’s selection did not seem controversial. He is Pakistan’s third-highest run-scorer of the past decade. But his keeping was criticised during the Lord’s Test.
The decision to overhaul the squad has been widely criticised in Pakistan. Shahid Afridi said he was not sure about the logic behind the decision. Shoaib Malik wrote that accountability should start with those who broke the system, not with players.
England’s Pace Attack Draws 2005 Ashes Comparisons Ahead of Pakistan Test
England’s interim head coach Marcus Trescothick has said that comparisons between the current pace attack and the famous 2005 Ashes-winning quartet are fair. The current lineup features Ollie Robinson, Jofra Archer, Gus Atkinson, and Josh Tongue. They have bowled England to a series win over Pakistan in the aftermath of Ben Stokes’ retirement.
Trescothick was part of the 2005 team that won the Ashes. He said the new attack has real skill and similar qualities to that legendary group. He is enjoying the fact that all four are match fit.
England have won successive victories over Pakistan, giving them their first series win since 2024. The answer to balancing the team has been to play four seamers and omit a specialist spinner. Dan Lawrence offers part-time off-breaks if needed.
Robinson’s recall after more than two years out has added a new dimension. He operates below 80mph with the wicketkeeper standing up. His accuracy and movement have seen him take 23 wickets this summer at an average of 8.3.
Trescothick said the team has a good contrast in what they are trying to do. They have three bowlers capable of high speed, which is a valuable asset. He believes the more they play together, the better they will become.
Michael Vaughan wrote that the current attack can only be compared to his bowlers when they win a major series. But he added that they are certainly capable of doing something special.
England will aim for a 3-0 clean sweep against Pakistan in the third Test at Edgbaston. Trescothick said he wants to win the series 3-0 and play the most consistent team possible. The team will assess fitness before making a decision on the final XI.
Brydon Carse was removed from the squad following an incident outside a nightclub. He is not expected to be considered until investigations are concluded. The backup seamers are Sam Cook, Sonny Baker, and Matthew Fisher.
FAQs
Q. Why did Michael Hussey reject England’s coaching role?
A. Michael Hussey chose to stay in Australia instead.
Q. What role will Michael Hussey take with Cricket Australia?
A. Michael Hussey accepted a part-time consultancy role.
Q. Why did Misbah-ul-Haq resign from Pakistan’s selection committee?
A. His resignation followed major squad changes and criticism.
Q. Who are England’s four main pace bowlers?
A. They are Robinson, Archer, Atkinson, and Tongue.
Q. Can England’s current attack match the 2005 attack?
A. Marcus Trescothick believes the comparison is fair.
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