Pakistan are set to bolster their coaching staff ahead of this month’s Test tour of England, with former South African first-class cricketer Mike Smith expected to be appointed as the national team’s Batting Coach, according to a report by Geo News.
The appointment would see Smith join the squad before Pakistan’s three-match Test series in England as the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) continues to reshape its backroom staff ahead of a demanding overseas assignment.
PCB closes in on permanent batting coach
Smith is a Level 4-qualified coach with previous experience in the Pakistan Super League, having worked with Multan Sultans. His familiarity with Pakistan’s domestic cricket environment, combined with his coaching background, is understood to have strengthened his candidacy for the role.
The PCB began searching for a permanent batting coach in May after inviting applications through a public recruitment process. Following the June 7 application deadline, the board evaluated candidates before identifying Smith as its preferred choice, with the appointment expected to be finalised once the remaining formalities are completed.
Change follows interim arrangement
Former Pakistan batter Asad Shafiq has served as the Test side’s interim Batting Coach since April 2026 after joining the support staff led by Test Head Coach Sarfaraz Ahmed.
Should Smith’s appointment be confirmed, Shafiq is expected to continue in his position as a national selector after handing over the batting coach’s responsibilities.
England tour to provide first assignment
Pakistan are scheduled to begin their three-Test series against England on August 19 at Headingley in Leeds before travelling to Lord’s for the second Test and Edgbaston for the final match of the series.
Smith’s expected arrival comes as the PCB looks to strengthen Pakistan’s batting department ahead of one of the team’s biggest Test assignments of the year, with the board aiming to improve the side’s consistency in the longest format.
