Australian cricketer Steve Smith has sparked intrigue after appearing at training with an American football-inspired accessory ahead of the crucial second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
The stand-in skipper was spotted with two strips of black tape beneath his eyes during an evening net session at The Gabba on Sunday. The 36-year-old, who currently resides in New York City, appeared to be testing the method used widely by NFL athletes to combat glare from floodlights.
The NFL Connection and Batting Challenges
Smith's new look comes as he prepares to lead Australia in Thursday's day-night Test against England, with regular captain Pat Cummins sidelined due to a back injury. The batting maestro's experiment suggests significant concerns about visibility under lights with the pink ball.
This practice is common among American football players who use black paint or tape to reduce glare from stadium lighting. Smith isn't the first cricketer to employ this technique - West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul regularly used similar tape during his playing career.
Smith had previously expressed concerns about batting with the pink ball during day-night matches. Following Australia's day-night Test against India at the same venue last year, he admitted: 'I find with the pink ball that batting at night is probably easier to see the ball. In the day I find it more difficult to see.'
Divided Opinions on Day-Night Cricket
The innovation comes amid contrasting views about day-night Test cricket within the competing camps. England captain Joe Root has openly questioned the format's place in an Ashes series.
'I don't think you need it in an Ashes series, absolutely not,' Root stated following England's eight-wicket defeat in Perth. 'I don't think it's as good as traditional Test cricket but it's in the schedule. We've got to play it.'
Root highlighted the particular challenge batsmen face during the twilight period when natural light fades and artificial lighting takes over. 'It's just being aware of how quickly the conditions and the situations can change,' he added, emphasising the need for tactical adaptation.
In stark contrast, Australian batsman Travis Head championed the spectacle. 'Pink ball, white ball, red ball – who really cares? It's a great spectacle and we're going to have huge crowds again,' he asserted.
Selection Headaches and Batting Flexibility
Australia's selectors face additional decisions beyond visibility concerns. Head's spectacular century off just 69 deliveries in Perth has created discussion about potentially promoting him in the batting order.
This follows Usman Khawaja being ruled out of the squad due to back stiffness suffered during the first Test. Head has expressed willingness to bat anywhere in the top order, reflecting Australia's flexible approach to their lineup.
'I'm a player I feel like can play any role,' Head stated. 'I feel all options are on the table and have been for a long period of time about where this team can potentially get better.'
Coach Andrew McDonald and the absent Cummins have previously endorsed this adaptable strategy, tailoring the batting order according to opposition, conditions, and player availability.
As Brisbane prepares for another chapter in cricket's oldest rivalry, Smith's eye tape experiment underscores the ongoing evolution of Test cricket and the unique challenges posed by day-night matches.
