The Pakistan Cricket Board has appointed Mike Smith as national batting coach for the Test tour of England, with the Australian-born coach starting at the opening match at Headingley on August 19.
Taking over from Shafiq
Smith replaces Asad Shafiq, who had been interim batting coach since April 2026. Shafiq will remain involved with Pakistan cricket as a national selector. The board began looking for a permanent batting coach in May 2026, invited applications, and settled on Smith after a full selection process.
He holds a Level-4 batting coaching qualification, the top rung of the coaching pathway. He has worked widely in franchise cricket, including with several Pakistan Super League teams such as Multan Sultans, so he already knows Pakistani players and domestic conditions. That should help him settle into the national set-up quickly.
A batting group seeking consistency
The appointment shows the board’s wish to strengthen a batting unit that has struggled for consistency in recent years. His technical knowledge is expected to be important in improving red-ball results on a demanding tour.
Tour itinerary
- First Test: Headingley, August 19-23
- Second Test: Lord’s, August 27-31
- Third Test: Edgbaston, September 9-13
Smith is expected to link up with the squad before the first Test as preparations for the series get under way.
