The Ashes 2015: Trevor Bayliss will revive England, but hopefully after this series, says retiring Michael Hussey

WITH the Ashes looming, former Test star Michael Hussey hopes Trevor Bayliss gets off to a slow start as head coach of England.

Mike Hussey re-signing with Syd Thunder

WITH the Ashes looming, former Test star Michael Hussey hopes Trevor Bayliss gets off to a slow start as head coach of England.

Hussey, who will play one final season of Big Bash League cricket as captain of the Sydney Thunder, has seen his team come undone against Bayliss’ former Sydney Sixers side more times than he cares to remember.

ROGERS COPS IT OVER ASHES TICKETS ON-SALE

SIDDLE SAYS AUSSIES HAVE EXPERIENCE TO WIN

Bayliss arrives in England this week, long after the Australian team, to take the reins ahead of the Ashes, which starts on July 8.

“It’s a really shrewd signing,” Hussey said.

“I’m sure he’ll do really well, but hopefully not too well to start with — I hope he takes a bit of time getting to know the England players and we can win the Ashes.

Hussey believes Trevor Bayliss will be a success with England.

“Certainly he’ll know the Australian players in depth really, their strengths, weaknesses and how they think. It just adds another twist to the plot of what’s going to be another great Ashes series.”

Despite Bayliss’ inside knowledge, particularly of the NSW contingent of the team, Hussey doesn’t necessarily think that will give England any significant advantage.

“He’ll know them intimately really, but what happens in the middle is where it all happens. The coach can have his input and all the planning that goes in behind the scenes, but at the end of the day you’ve still got to execute it in the middle.”

Hussey was also bemused by Graeme Swann’s comments questioning the batting technique of Steve Smith.

Trevor Bayliss is the first Australian to take charge of the England team.

Smith’s sensational form has him ranked as the ICC’s No. 1 Test batsman and Hussey believes the 26-year-old will make a seamless transition into the captaincy role.

“I’m sure Graeme Swann is just trying to stir the pot a little bit and create a bit of banter,” Hussey said.

“I don’t think Steve Smith will be worrying about it at all.

“He obviously has a lot of maturity and knowledge about his game and the game and I’m sure they can groom him while Michael (Clarke) is there over the next few years. We’ll have a ready made captain ready to go when Pup decides to walk into the sunset.”

Hussey admits he doesn’t miss the pressure that comes with being part of the Test team, but he is still as driven to make a difference at the Thunder after the hurt of losing last season’s crucial match against the Sixers.

Next season, and for the following 10 years, the Thunder will play their games at Spotless Stadium after deciding the venue is a better fit than neighbouring ANZ Stadium.

“We’re at a new home now where we can really try to build a great home-ground advantage. Hopefully the future is really bright for the club,” Hussey said.

“Losing does hurt, particularly a loss like that against our rivals. Hopefully it motivates all the guys who were part of that match to work harder and push harder.”

Originally published as The Ashes 2015: Trevor Bayliss will revive England, but hopefully after this series, says retiring Michael Hussey