Pakistan appoint Michael Smith as batting coach on two-year deal

Pakistan appointed South African first-class cricketer and coach Michael Smith as their new batting coach on a two-year contract ahead of the three-Test series against England starting August 19. Smith will work with both the red-ball and white-ball sides, filling a specialist role that has remained vacant in recent months.

Smith previously worked in the Pakistan Super League with Islamabad United and Multan Sultans, and served as batting coach with Australia's Hobart Hurricanes and Cricket Tasmania. He also undertook consultancy roles with South Africa's KZN Inland and Eastern Province.

Pakistan are currently trailing 0-1 in their two-Test series against West Indies after suffering a 90-run defeat in the opening Test. The appointment comes after the team's batting repeatedly failed to deliver in pressure situations, contributing to 13 losses in their last 17 Tests.