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The Chanderpaul Hack: Smith reveals why he wears black strips under his eyes against Pink Ball

Prachi Rajan

Why is Steve Smith wearing black strips under his eyes? (X.com/@CricUpdate58494)Why is Steve Smith wearing black strips under his eyes? (X.com/@CricUpdate58494)

The Australian captain Steve Smith is donning a new look in the ongoing Gabba Test, with the batter wearing black tape under his eye. Over the years, since the introduction of the day-night Test, we have seen players find new ways to counter the hurdles incurred in the unique format of the game, played with the pink ball. 

Why is Steve Smith wearing black strips under his eyes?  

Made famous by the West Indies batter Shivnarine Chanderpaul, the black eye strips have been brought back by Smith. Taking a leaf out of Chanderpaul's illustrious career, the Aussie batter is utilising the 'black eye' hack in the 2nd Test of Ashes 2025-26. 

According to the No. 4 batter, who has previously struggled against the pink ball, Smith utilises the black strips to reduce glare while batting.

Smith confirmed he will wear 'anti-glare' tape under his eyes ahead of Pink-ball Test

Ahead of the match, the Australian batter revealed that he will adopt a slightly different look when he returns to bat for the second test of the Ashes.

“Playing against the pink ball, I think it might be well documented or not that I quite struggle picking it up with the glare off the lights in particular, and even during the day.” 

“So yeah, I've been using them in the nets, and I feel like they've made quite a large difference. I feel like I've actually been picking the ball up far better than I have previously, so yeah, I'll be rocking them this game,” Smith told the media.

Steve Smith vs Pink Ball in Test Cricket

Smith has played 121 Test matches in his career, with 13 of them with the pink ball, the second-most of any player in world cricket. Speaking about his experience in the unique format, at his press conference ahead of Day 1, Smith further added: 

“The (pink) ball reacts differently to a red one. It can change quickly and can start moving randomly. 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.”

Coming back to the match, Australia is in a strong position, with openers Jake Weatherald and Travis Head breaking Shubman Gill and Rohit Sharma's record of the highest opening partnership against England in a day & night Test.