The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB)has hired former South African first-class cricketer Mike Smith as the country’s batting coach for the upcoming three-Test tour of England, which begins on August 19 at Headingley.
Smith holds a Level-4 batting coaching accreditation, the highest level in the coaching curriculum, and has extensive experience in franchise cricket across numerous competitions. He has previously worked with numerous Pakistan Super League teams, including Multan Sultans, so he is familiar with several players in Pakistan’s Test squad.
Smith succeeds Asad Shafiq, who served as interim batting coach in April 2026. Shafiq will continue to be involved in Pakistan cricket as a national selector until Smith commences his duties.
The PCB began an organised search for a permanent batting coach in May 2026, advertised the position publicly and establishing a June 7 application deadline. After analysing the pool of candidates, the board selected Smith and negotiated a verbal agreement with him.
What impact does Smith’s appointment have on Pakistan’s batting setup?
The PCB’s decision to pursue a permanent appointment rather than extending the interim arrangement underlines the board’s desire to devote sustained, specialist attention to Pakistan’s batting. Smith’s appointment is intended to solve technical issues that have regularly hampered Pakistan’s hitting across forms.
His previous PSL experience with the Multan Sultans and other franchises has given him firsthand knowledge of the conditions and personalities in Pakistan’s batting lineup. His Level-4 accreditation and franchise background played an important role in the board’s decision to reach an arrangement with him ahead of a tough Test series in England.
What is the schedule for Pakistan’s three-match Test series in England?
Pakistan’s three-week visit of England will take them to three different locations. The first Test is from August 19 to 23 at Headingley, the second from August 27 to 31 at Lord’s, and the third from September 9 to 13 at Edgbaston.
Smith is scheduled to join the squad at the start of the Headingley Test, giving him little time to train with the batters before the series starts.
