The Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed former South African domestic cricketer Michael Smith as the national men’s batting coach. The 46-year-old will work with Pakistan’s Test, ODI and T20I sides under a two-year contract. He will join the squad before the three-Test series against England, starting at Headingley on August 19.
Smith arrives with experience across South African, Australian and Pakistani cricket. The PCB has turned to him as Pakistan seek greater consistency from their batting unit in red-ball and white-ball cricket.
Read More: PCB Shifts to Data-Driven Contracts and New Salary Categories
Smith Brings Extensive Domestic and Franchise Experience
Smith played domestic cricket in South Africa from 2003 to 2013. The right-handed batter appeared in 89 first-class matches, 72 List A games and 16 T20 contests. He scored 7,029 runs across the formats, including nine centuries and 40 half-centuries.
After retiring, Smith moved into coaching and earned a Level 4 qualification. He has held specialist batting and assistant coaching roles with Islamabad United, Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans in the HBL Pakistan Super League.
He joined Multan as an assistant coach for HBL PSL 11 earlier this year. That role expanded his knowledge of Pakistan’s leading players and franchise environment.
Smith has also worked with the Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania. Cricket Tasmania appointed him assistant batting coach in its men’s programme in 2023. He previously coached South Africa’s DP World Lions and served as head coach of the Tuskers.
Read More: Pakistan Cricket’s Two-Year Collapse Leaves Fans Furious
“We are really excited by Michael’s appointment,” Cricket Tasmania’s general manager of high performance, Salliann Beams, said when the organisation hired him. She highlighted his experience and suitability for a high-performance coaching structure.
Smith has also worked as a consultant with KZN Inland and Eastern Province. Those assignments gave him experience in player development across South African domestic cricket.
England Tests Provide Immediate Challenge
Smith’s first assignment will bring significant pressure. Pakistan begin the England series at Headingley from August 19 to 23. Lord’s hosts the second Test from August 27, while Edgbaston stages the final match from September 9.
The series forms part of the 2025 to 2027 ICC World Test Championship. It follows Pakistan’s tour of the West Indies, where batting failures again drew scrutiny.
Pakistan lost the opening Test in Tarouba by 90 runs after collapsing to 120 while chasing 211. Shan Masood then fractured a finger, placing his availability for the England opener in doubt.
Read More: Pakistan Reshuffles Coaching Setup as Sarfaraz Takes Charge for Bangladesh Tests
Smith will focus on technique, preparation and decision-making across formats. His familiarity with Pakistan’s players through the PSL should help him settle quickly.
The two-year appointment gives the PCB continuity beyond one tour. Smith will work with the wider coaching group during a demanding international schedule.
His immediate task will involve helping batters adjust to English seam and swing conditions. Pakistan will hope his specialist background can improve partnerships, reduce collapses and build greater consistency away from home.
