PCB Names New Batting Coach As Pakistan Eye Turnaround In England Tests

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has appointed former South African first-class cricketer Michael “Mike” Smith as the batting coach of the Pakistan men’s team on a two-year contract.

Smith will begin his role with the national side during Pakistan’s three-Test tour of England, which starts on August 19. He will work with the team in both Test and limited-overs cricket.

The PCB had been looking for a full-time batting coach after Pakistan’s batting struggled in recent months, with repeated collapses hurting the team’s performances across formats. According to PTI, the board shortlisted Smith after inviting applications through a public recruitment process before reaching a verbal agreement with him. The PCB later confirmed his appointment in an official statement.

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Smith's coaching experience

Smith brings plenty of coaching experience despite not playing international cricket. The 46-year-old represented South Africa in domestic cricket between 2003 and 2013, playing 89 first-class matches, 72 List A games and 16 T20S.

Over the years, he has built a strong reputation as a batting coach in franchise cricket. He has worked with Pakistan Super League (PSL) teams including Islamabad United, Karachi Kings and, most recently, Multan Sultans, where he served as assistant coach. His coaching career also includes stints with Australia’s Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania, while he has also been a coaching consultant for South African domestic sides KZN Inland and Eastern Province.

His familiarity with Pakistan’s domestic players and the PSL is believed to have played an important role in his selection.

Smith replaces Asad Shafiq

Smith replaces former Pakistan batter Asad Shafiq, who had been serving as the team’s interim batting coach. Shafiq is currently with the Pakistan squad in the West Indies and will continue in his role as a national selector after Smith takes over.

Pakistan will hope Smith can help improve a batting line-up that has often failed to build big partnerships or convert good starts into match-winning totals. His first challenge will be the three-match Test series in England, where Pakistan will also look to improve their overseas record.

Pakistan's current position in WTC standings

Pakistan are currently playing a Test series against the West Indies and sit ninth in the ICC World Test Championship standings. The England tour will mark the beginning of Smith’s tenure as the PCB looks to bring greater consistency to the team’s batting.