Michael Hussey, the former Australian Test batter, has confirmed he received an informal approach from England's new red-ball coach, Stephen Fleming, about becoming the team's batting coach. Hussey, who played 79 Tests and 185 ODIs for Australia before retiring in 2013, told Fox Sports he is weighing the offer but has made no decision.

"He has inquired, he's just said 'Look, Huss, would you be interested in being the batting coach?'" Hussey said during an appearance on The Big Break with Brendon Julian and Kerry O'Keeffe. "I'm just taking some time, I'm not making any decisions anytime soon, just thinking about it."

Hussey, 51, admitted the prospect appeals to him professionally. "It would be exciting, in the fact that you're working with a new country, a new team that you haven't had experience with before," he said. "That certainly interests me."

The approach and the relationship

Fleming, who was appointed England coach in late July following the sacking of Brendon McCullum, previously worked with Hussey at Chennai Super Kings in the Indian Premier League. The pair spent 15 years together at the franchise as teammates and then as coach and player/coach.

"We obviously get on really well and work a lot together," Hussey said. "So it was just a bit of a passing comment, really saying, 'Look, what do you reckon? Would you think about being the batting coach?'"

Despite the informal nature of the initial conversation, Hussey acknowledged the significance of the offer. "To be honest, I have not been able to give it any thought whatsoever," he told Fox Sports, where he works as a commentator. "Would I? I mean, I wouldn't say never to anything really. I just love the coaching side of the game, and just to be able to work with different players."

The Ashes context

Should Hussey accept, he could find himself plotting against his own country when England host Australia in the Ashes series in June, July and August next year. England have not held the urn since 2015, and Hussey admitted the prospect of working against Australia would "feel a bit weird".

Hussey has worked with England once before, at the T20 World Cup in 2022, giving him some familiarity with the setup. He also recently returned home after coaching Welsh Fire in The Hundred, and he listed several commitments that complicate any decision: Welsh Fire, Chennai Super Kings, and his son. "I've got to throw balls to my son in the backyard as well," he said.

Reaction to Stokes retirement

Discussion of the England setup also touched on the recent retirement of Ben Stokes. Hussey called the all-rounder's departure from Test cricket "bizarre" and "a little bit messy", while declining to rule out a Stokes comeback for the Ashes. "I wouldn't rule it out," Hussey said, according to Fox Sports.

Still no decision

Hussey stressed that negotiations have not progressed beyond the initial inquiry. When Julian joked that the deliberation sounded like "negotiation" because Hussey was "wanting the coin", Hussey insisted: "It's not gone that far. Just an off the cuff conversation, what do you reckon? I said look, I'm not considering anything at the moment."

With several balls in the air, Hussey appears content to take his time before responding to Fleming's approach.