Steve Smith is winning new fans at the Gabba this weekend after revealing he will be wearing black tape under his eyes as he bats in the second Ashes Test. The odd look has sparked a swift investigation, largely because Australia is keen to build a 2-0 lead over England. Smith tried out the strips during practice and saw an immediate improvement under the lights.
Steve Smith Applies Eye Black
Steve Smith is after better vision with the pink ball in the day-night match. He feels that the eye black lessens the light coming from the floodlights and helps the view. Chanderpaul Shivnarine was instrumental in assisting him to improve the most from the the strips . He was pleased with the outcome after he taped the work and the lights. Chanderpaul informed him that his tape blocks about 65% of the light. Smith also remarked that when he first put them on, he was upside down.
Chanderpaul’s Advice Makes Smith’s Decision More Clear
Smith got expert help from Chanderpaul. The West Indies great was an eye black user all along his long career. His feedback was the factor that made Smith decide to go ahead with the method. After discussing techniques extensively, Chanderpaul suggested subtle adjustments for maximum effectiveness.
Smith now is convinced that the strips enable him to have better concentration during the night session. He also noticed that the tape significantly reduces glare, improving focus remarkably. The action is one more step in his plan against England’s attack.
Author’s Point of View
Smith is the kind of player who always finds the little things that can give him an advantage. Using eye black in this scenario, a pink-ball Test, looks like a clever move to me. If it makes him quicker to react, England will be in a tight spot at the Gabba.
