Australian cricket star Steve Smith has unveiled a novel and surprisingly simple strategy to tackle one of the biggest challenges of day-night Test cricket: the blinding glare of the Gabba floodlights.
An Unlikely Inspiration from a Cricket Legend
The veteran batter, who is notably sensitive to bright light, has taken a page straight from the playbook of West Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Since arriving in Brisbane for the upcoming Ashes day-night encounter, Smith has been spotted sporting two distinctive black strips of tape under his eyes.
This method was famously used throughout Chanderpaul's long career to significantly reduce glare from stadium lights. Smith didn't just copy the look; he went straight to the source for advice. The 36-year-old revealed he directly messaged Chanderpaul to ask about the technique, seeking his expert opinion on whether to use chalk or the adhesive strips.
The Right Way Up Makes All the Difference
Chanderpaul's response was both informative and corrective. He confirmed the strips were his preference and claimed they block out a substantial 65 per cent of glare. He also delivered a crucial piece of feedback to Smith, noting from photos that the Australian was wearing them incorrectly.
"He said, 'I have seen photos and you are wearing it the wrong way'," Smith admitted. After rectifying the error, Smith is now a firm believer. "Yesterday I put them on the right way and I agree with him. I certainly think it stops the glare, and I will be wearing them," he stated.
The look is also reminiscent of the eye black commonly worn by American football and baseball players in the United States, where Smith now resides.
Mastering the Pink Ball Challenge
Smith's adaptation is part of a broader focus on conquering the unique demands of the day-night format. With 13 day-night Tests under his belt—a tally that equals the second-most of any player globally—he is acutely aware of the adjustments required.
He highlighted the unpredictable nature of the pink ball, which behaves very differently to its traditional red counterpart. "It can change quickly and can start moving randomly," Smith explained. His philosophy is about anticipation and proactive planning. "When it does shift on you and the ball starts doing something different, you have got to come up with plans to counter that. It is about being one step ahead."
Smith's light sensitivity was evident even off the field, as he politely asked broadcast crews to dim their lights during Wednesday's press conference. Now, with his eye strips correctly applied, he believes he has found a foolproof solution to see the pink ball more clearly under the Gabba's powerful lights, potentially giving him a critical advantage in the crucial Test match.
