Ricky Ponting has revealed he gave Michael Hussey a stern warning about the possibility of joining England’s coaching staff. Hussey is reportedly under consideration for the batting coach role after Stephen Fleming’s appointment as England’s Test head coach, and Ponting does not want to see his fellow Australian take it.
The warning
Speaking to Sky Sports News, Ponting said he saw Hussey last week and told him that if he took the job, he would never speak to him again. He added that he thinks he has scared him off.
Ponting said he was unsure what Hussey would finally decide, but suggested another opportunity might exist for him within the Australian set-up.
Why Hussey is a candidate
Hussey has emerged as an option because of his wide coaching experience and his history with Fleming. The two worked together at Chennai Super Kings, where Fleming was head coach and Hussey the batting coach.
Hussey was also part of England’s coaching team during their successful 2022 T20 World Cup campaign in Australia.
Playing background
As a player, Hussey represented Australia in 79 Tests, 185 ODIs and 38 T20Is between 2005 and 2013. After retiring he moved into coaching and has held several high-level roles.
Ponting’s comments suggest Hussey may have other options, including one in Australia. His final decision on the England position is unclear.
