A new coaching appointment signals a fresh direction for Pakistan's batting unit, with the PCB turning to an experienced South African who knows the domestic circuit well. Main Developments Michael Smith, a 46-year-old former South African cricketer, has signed a two-year contract as batting coach for Pakistan's men's team across both red-ball and white-ball formats. The Pakistan Cricket Board confirmed the appointment via an official press release on Tuesday. Smith's first assignment will be the upcoming three-match Test series against England, which begins on August 19. He joins the squad ahead of that series, bringing a Level 4 coaching qualification and experience from multiple franchise leagues. Read also: Pakistan's Shafique, Babar counter West Indies in Trinidad Test Between 2003 and 2013, Smith played 89 first-class matches, 72 List-A games, and 16 T20 fixtures. The right-handed batter amassed 7,029 runs across those formats, including nine centuries and 40 half-centuries. Background Smith is no stranger to Pakistan cricket, having served on the coaching staffs of three HBL Pakistan Super League franchises: Islamabad United, Karachi Kings, and Multan Sultans. His international coaching resume also includes stints as batting coach with Australia's Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania. He has additionally worked as a coaching consultant for South Africa's KZN Inland and Eastern Province. The appointment fills a role that has seen several changes over the past two years. Former Test batter Asad Shafiq had been serving as interim batting coach since April 2026, a role he took for the Bangladesh Test series. Shafiq is currently with the Pakistan team in the West Indies for a two-match Test series. Before Shafiq's interim stint, Shahid Aslam occupied the position, having replaced former Test captain Mohammad Yousuf in November 2024. Why It Matters Pakistan's batting has faced consistency challenges across formats, making this appointment crucial for the team's technical development. Smith's familiarity with PSL conditions and players should ease his transition into the role. His multi-format experience and franchise coaching background offer a blend of international perspective and local knowledge that could benefit both seasoned players and emerging talent. What's Next Smith will begin working with the squad ahead of the England Test series starting August 19. The two-year deal suggests the PCB is seeking long-term stability in a coaching position that has seen frequent turnover. Questions remain about how Smith's methods will mesh with the current squad and whether his appointment signals a broader restructuring of the coaching setup.