England’s newly-appointed Test head coach Stephen Fleming seems to have started his preparation for the country’s next chapter in red-ball cricket. As per a report by 7News of Australia, Fleming has approached former Australian batter Michael Hussey for England’s batting coach role. The former New Zealand captain had a long-standing partnership with Hussey at Chennai Super Kings (CSK).
Mr. Cricket aka Michael Hussey is currently coaching franchise teams. After CSK, he is in Welsh Fire's coaching staff for the ongoing Men's The Hundred 2026 competition. Hussey had joined CSK coaching staff in 2018. Earlier, he had played for CSK in six IPL seasons.
Fleming isn’t scheduled to take over England Test team until the South Africa tour. For the Pakistan Test series at home starting later this month, assistant coach Marcus Trescothick will serve as head coach.
The report also suggests that Fleming has also approached CSK bowling coach Eric Simons to replace David Saker. Simons had joined CSK coaching staff in 2018 alongside Hussey as well.
If the reports turn out to be true and Hussey, Simons join England Test coaching staff, CSK will look at a completely revamped staff. CSK are yet to announce their new head coach after Fleming’s departure across Super Kings franchises.
When does Fleming’s reign as England head coach starts?
Fleming will work with reappointed Test captain Joe Root. Vice-captain Harry Brook wasn’t given the reign in the longest format. The former Kiwi opener has expressed his excitement to work with Root and Brook. He wants to help Brook develop as an extraordinary talent.
“I’m particularly looking forward to working with Joe Root as Captain - a generational talent who has achieved so much already. There is still plenty more to come from him, and I’m excited to support him so he can enjoy and thrive in the role in what is a different context to his first stint.
“I’m also excited to work with Harry Brook. The best players are never finished products, and helping Harry continue to develop his extraordinary talent and his leadership will be an important part of this journey."
The Test series against the defending WTC champions will begin on December 17 at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.