Pakistan name former South African first-class cricketer as men's team batting coach
Islamabad, August 4
Former South Africa first-class cricketer and coach Michael Smith has been appointed batting coach of the Pakistan men's team, the Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed in a statement.
Smith will work with the team across both red-ball and white-ball formats. The 46-year-old has featured in 89 first-class matches, 72 List-A matches and 16 T20 matches from 2003 to 2013, as per ICC.
Smith has served on the coaching staff in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) with Islamabad United, Karachi Kings and, earlier this season, was Multan Sultans' assistant coach. He has also worked as batting coach with Australia's Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania and was a coaching consultant for South Africa's KZN Inland and Eastern Province.
Smith, who has been appointed for a two-year term, will take charge of the Asian Team ahead of the three-match Test series against England, commencing on August 19.
Pakistan, who are currently playing a Test series against the West Indies, are placed ninth in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
— ANI
Reader Comments
Honestly, I think this is a smart move by PCB. Michael has worked with multiple PSL franchises, so he knows the players and the conditions well. Fresh international perspective could help improve Pakistan's batting consistency, especially in red-ball cricket where they have been struggling lately. Best of luck to him! 👍
Pakistan is 9th in the World Test Championship and they are bringing in a coach who has never played international cricket? Sounds about right. PCB keeps making headline-grabbing appointments but the results on the field do not improve. Maybe focus on basics first - the players' fitness and shot selection.
I think this is a good step! A two-year contract shows long-term commitment, and his experience with Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania proves he knows how to work with batters in different conditions. England series will be a good test for him! 🏏
I hope this works out for Pakistan. As a cricket fan from India, I know how much pressure the players are under. But at the end of the day, coaching is about communication and trust. If the players feel he can improve their game, results will follow. Let's wait and watch instead of judging before the first match.
Interesting choice. But PCB should also invest in grassroots cricket and domestic structure. One coach will not fix deep-rooted issues. Pakistan's batting has been inconsistent for years, especially against spin. Hope Smith's presence brings something new to the table! 🤞
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.