‘I’ll Be Wearing Them’ - Smith Commits To Anti-Glare Tape In Day-Night Test

Australian batting maestro Steven Smith has confirmed he’ll use anti-glare strips under his eyes during the upcoming day-night Test at the Gabba, crediting West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul

for perfecting his technique. After initial trial-and-error with the black adhesive ‘eye blacks’—common in American sports for reducing floodlight glare—Smith felt a clear benefit under lights and will deploy them strategically against the pink ball.

Smith’s Anti-Glare Innovation Journey

Smith messaged Chanderpaul for advice: “He said the strips… blocks out 65% of the glare. And he also said, ‘I’ve seen photos and you’re wearing them the wrong way’.” Corrected orientation made the difference: “I agree with him. I think it certainly stops the glare. Yeah, I’ll be wearing them.”

These strips absorb light reflecting off cheekbones, crucial in twilight sessions where pink-ball glare challenges visibility. Smith’s pink-ball record (37.04 average, 1 century in day-nighters vs 58.31/35 in day Tests) underscores the need—Gabba’s hard surface softens the ball faster than Adelaide’s grassier pitches.

Pink-Ball Challenges At Gabba

“It’s hard to bat all the time… The ball reacts differently… can change quickly… start moving randomly,” Smith noted. Tactics vary: aggression when swinging, defense during spells. Gabba’s pace (unlike Adelaide’s seam-friendly fur) demands adaptation—Starc noted 2024’s WI epic where surface hardness softened the pink ball prematurely.

Batting Order Flexibility Debate

Amid XI uncertainty (Cummins’ fitness, Lyon/Doggett), Smith endorsed in-match changes like dual nightwatchmen for pink-ball volatility: “Anything’s possible… play what’s in front of you.” He respectfully disagreed with Cummins/Head’s “batting orders overrated” view: “It’s nice to have a single role… get used to that.” Smith opened four 2024 Tests (including Gabba pink-ball carry-bat 91*), valuing consistency over constant shuffling.

Australia delays XI naming, balancing Cummins’ return with Brisbane conditions.