Michael Hussey is reportedly in early talks to join Chennai Super Kings (CSK) as a coach, potentially filling the vacancy left by Stephen Fleming. Fleming, who currently serves as the head coach of CSK, is understood to be in discussions with the England cricket setup about a potential coaching role with the national team.

Fleming, 51, has also been serving as the head coach of Welsh Fire’s men’s team in the Hundred competition, where former England captain Joe Root is a senior player. Root was recently appointed England Test captain following the retirement of Ben Stokes. The possibility of Hussey taking over as CSK head coach could present an attractive and financially rewarding opportunity, particularly compared to an assistant coaching role with England.

England’s coaching staff currently includes assistant coaches Marcus Trescothick, Carl Hopkinson, and Sarah Taylor, with Mike Yardy, who leads the under-19s, often working with the senior squads. Additionally, former New Zealand players Tim Southee and Jeetan Patel hold specialist positions as fast bowling and spin bowling coaches, respectively.

England is set to announce their squad for the upcoming first Test against Pakistan. While major surprises in selection seem unlikely, the team management faces the challenge of replacing Stokes in the lineup. Meetings involving national selector Marcus North, managing director Rob Key, and captain Joe Root have recently taken place, with input from Fleming and Trescothick.

Ollie Robinson, who featured early in the summer series, is expected to retain his place. The inclusion of leg-spinning all-rounder Rehan Ahmed is under consideration, alongside spin-bowling all-rounders Will Jacks and Dan Lawrence. These players offer the flexibility to bat in the middle order while allowing the side to maintain a strong seam attack with four specialists. Other all-rounders such as Somerset’s Craig Overton may also be in contention, though left-arm seamer Sam Curran remains sidelined due to injury.

CSK and the England team have yet to comment officially on the discussions involving Fleming and Hussey, with the matter still in preliminary stages.