Pakistan hire Smith to lead batting overhaul ahead of England tests

Michael Smith has been appointed Pakistan’s new men’s batting coach on a two‑year deal, filling a specialist role that had remained vacant across formats. The 46‑year‑old South African, a Level 4 coach with extensive franchise experience, joins the setup after Pakistan’s costly batting collapse in the Tarouba Test defeat to West Indies. Smith will link up with the squad before the three‑Test series against England starting August 19.

Pakistan have long operated without a full‑time batting coach, relying intermittently on selector Asad Shafiq. Smith’s résumé includes stints with Islamabad United, Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans in the PSL, as well as roles in Australia and South Africa. As a player, he amassed over 7,000 runs across formats. His immediate challenge is improving a batting group that has struggled for consistency, contributing to eight straight away Test losses since 2023‑24. The England tour offers an early chance to reshape Pakistan’s approach.