Australian all-rounder Shane Watson would love to see Michael Hussey sign up as a permanent member of Cricket Australia’s coaching staff. But Watson expects Hussey’s desire for a more balanced family life could prove a stumbling block.
Hussey’s arrival as a coaching consultant could hardly have been better timed for Australia. The 40-year-old linked up with the 15-man squad when they landed in India for the World Twenty20.
Batting coach Michael Di Venuto had just completed his final assignment, a T20 series in South Africa, before he starts as the new head coach of English county side Surrey. Fielding coach Greg Blewett has taken on Di Venuto’s formal role but Australia will need to beef up their coaching staff soon.
“It would be an incredible luxury for the Australian team to be able to have Mike Hussey around a lot more regularly,” Watson said of his Sydney Thunder teammate. “He’s got so much to offer. But it really comes down to what fits into Mike Hussey’s life ... he’s got a beautiful big family at home.
“I know he’s doing everything he can to make sure he gives back to his family ...he’s just trying to find the perfect balance.”
Hussey completed his playing career earlier this year when he guided the Thunder to their maiden Big Bash League title. Hussey, who played 185 ODIs, 79 Tests and 38 T20s for Australia, is already in great demand as a coach.  India and Sri Lanka have both made advances, while he helped out South Africa during last year’s ODI World Cup. “He’s fitted in so well. He just wants the best for us and wants to have an impact on the batters and all the players,” skipper AB de Villiers said at the time.
Watson noted Australia’s World T20 squad was fortunate to have a mentor like Hussey helping them prepare for today’s opener against New Zealand in Dharamsala. “Just his experience alone ... how he reads the game. How he understands the game. How he communicates it to guys as well,” the all-rounder said. “I know everyone is very excited about having him around.”
Watson, twice named player of the series at the Indian Premier League, has also been providing plenty of advice to the World T20 squad. “It’s part of my role within the team, to be able to help out wherever I possibly can,” Watson said. “I feel like one of the really old guys now, even though I’m 34.”