LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Tuesday confirmed the appointment of former South African cricketer Michael Smith as batting coach of the national men’s team, with the 46-year-old set to join the side ahead of the upcoming three-Test series against England.
Smith has been appointed on a two-year contract and will work with Pakistan across both red-ball and white-ball formats. His first assignment will be the home Test series against England, beginning on August 19.
Smith, a right-handed batter, played domestic cricket in South Africa from 2003 to 2013, featuring in 89 first-class matches, 72 List A games and 16 T20s. He amassed 7,029 runs across the three formats, including nine centuries and 40 half-centuries.
Holding a Level 4 coaching qualification, Smith brings extensive coaching experience to the role.
He has previously worked with Pakistan Super League (PSL) franchises Islamabad United, Karachi Kings and Multan Sultans, while also serving as batting coach for Australia’s Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania.
He has additionally held consultancy roles with South African domestic sides KZN Inland and Eastern Province.
Pakistan are scheduled to face England in a three-match Test series later this month as part of their international calendar.
The opening Test will be played at Headingley, Leeds, from August 19 to 23, followed by the second Test at Lord’s from August 27 to 31.
The series will conclude with the third and final Test at Edgbaston, Birmingham, from September 9 to 13.
