Stephen Fleming approaches CSK legend for England batting coach role

After ending his long association with Chennai Super Kings (CSK), England Test head coach Stephen Fleming has reportedly approached former CSK batter Michael Hussey about joining his coaching staff for England Test team.According to 7Cricket, Fleming has informally asked Hussey if he would be interested in becoming England’s batting coach.Hussey had been part of CSK’s coaching setup as batting coach since 2018. After Fleming left the IPL franchise to take charge of England’s Test team, he reportedly reached out to his former teammate and colleague to explore the possibility of working together again at international level.Marcus Trescothick is currently England’s Test batting coach and will continue as interim head coach during the three-Test series against Pakistan in August and September. However, his long-term role with the team remains uncertain.Hussey, who is coaching Welsh Fire in the ongoing Men’s Hundred, has previously worked with England. He served as a consultant during the 2022 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and was part of the support staff when England won the title.Speaking during that tournament, Hussey had said: “The first time I pulled on the England shirt it was a little bit strange but after that you get to work with the players, enjoy developing those individual relationships, and forget about what you’re wearing.”The report added that although the England and Wales Cricket Board has not made a formal offer, Fleming’s preferred choice for the batting coach’s role is Hussey.If Hussey accepts the role, he would reunite with England during the Ashes, 14 years after his final appearance for Australia.Fleming and Hussey first played together for CSK in the inaugural IPL season in Chennai. Over the years, Fleming became CSK’s head coach while Hussey played for the franchise before later joining the coaching staff. The pair worked together for 15 years.Fleming is set to officially begin his role as England’s Test head coach during the team’s tour of South Africa in December.Until then, Marcus Trescothick will continue as interim head coach for the three-Test series against Pakistan, which begins at Headingley on August 19.