The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) is set to appoint former South African cricketer Mike Smith as the permanent batting coach of the Pakistan Test team. Smith has reportedly emerged as the frontrunner after the PCB's recruitment process began in May, with an official announcement expected soon.
Pakistan are currently playing the second Test against the West Indies at Queen's Park Oval in Trinidad. On a rain-interrupted opening day (Sunday, August 2), West Indies scored 239/5 in 74 overs at stumps. Justin Greaves remained unbeaten with a patient half-century to put the hosts in a strong position.
PCB Finalizes Mike Smith as Pakistan's Test Batting Coach
According to Geo News, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has finalized former South African first-class cricketer Mike Smith as the leading candidate for the Test batting coach role. The board will make an official appointment before their three-match Test series against England later this month.
Mike Smith is a Level 4-qualified coach and has previously worked with Multan Sultans in the Pakistan Super League (PSL). Mike Smith's experience in Pakistan's cricket system is expected to help the team strengthen its batting ahead of a challenging tour of England.
If appointed, Mike Smith will replace former Pakistan batter Asad Shafiq, who has served as the interim batting coach since April 2026 under head coach Sarfaraz Ahmed.
The PCB began the recruitment process in May, invited applications through a public advertisement, and set June 7 as the deadline before shortlisting candidates. Pakistan's England tour begins with the first Test at Headingley on August 19, followed by matches at Lord's and Edgbaston.
Justin Greaves Anchors West Indies After Early Wobbles
Justin Greaves once again impressed for West Indies, finishing unbeaten on 64 on a rain-affected opening day in Trinidad. Despite hurting his left leg while completing a quick run, Greaves continued batting and survived a dropped catch by Pakistan captain Babar Azam at leg slip shortly after reaching his fifty.
Greaves added an unbeaten 66-run partnership for the sixth wicket with captain Roston Chase, who remained not out on 36. The stand lifted West Indies from a difficult position and guided the hosts to 239/5 at stumps. Greaves had also starred with the ball during West Indies' victory in the first Test.
Pakistan had earlier reduced West Indies to 173/5. Sajid Khan dismissed Kavem Hodge, while debutant Ubaid Shah claimed his maiden Test wicket by removing Amir Jangoo. Mohammad Ali then bowled Shai Hope for 29 after the batter inside-edged the ball onto his stumps.
Pakistan Leave Out Mohammad Abbas Despite Strong First Test
Pakistan omitted Mohammad Abbas, who was their standout bowler in the first Test. Abbas claimed eight wickets in the match, including outstanding figures of 5/22 in the second innings, but the team management opted for an extra spinner based on the conditions.
The visitors brought in off-spinner Sajid Khan alongside left-arm spinner Ali Usman and also handed Test debuts to Ubaid Shah and Awais Zafar. Awais replaced injured former captain Shan Masood, who fractured his finger during the opening Test.
West Indies made a brisk start through Brandon King and Tagenarine Chanderpaul, who added 49 runs for the opening wicket. Chanderpaul fell for 15 after mistiming a hook shot off Mohammad Ali, while Ali Usman trapped King lbw for 46 after the rain break.
Mohammad Ali also repeatedly asked Babar Azam for an extra slip fielder as several edges flew through the vacant third-slip region before Pakistan finally made the breakthrough.
