Archive · 3 Dec 2025
Smith Adopts Anti-Glare Tapes for Pink-Ball Ashes Test
Steve Smith, the Australian cricket captain, is using special tapes under his eyes to block the bright lights during night games with a pink ball.
He got this idea from a famous West Indian player named Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
Smith thinks these tapes help him see better and concentrate.
He also talked about how hard it is to bat with the pink ball because it behaves differently than the usual red ball.
Meanwhile, England is playing the second Ashes Test in Brisbane with a new player, Will Jacks, instead of the injured Mark Wood.
The English captain, Ben Stokes, said they chose Jacks for his batting skills and tactical reasons, even though they have a good spinner named Shoaib Bashir.
Australia has been very successful with the pink ball, especially their fast bowler Mitchell Starc, who has taken many wickets in these games.
Steve Smith is using anti-glare tapes under his eyes, inspired by Shivnarine Chanderpaul, for the second Ashes Test.
The tapes are designed to block 65% of the glare from floodlights, making it easier to concentrate.
Smith's batting average in pink-ball Tests is 37.04, compared to 58.31 in day matches.
He acknowledges the challenges of batting with a pink ball, which can behave unpredictably.
Smith aims to stay one step ahead by adapting his batting strategy to the ball's changing behavior.
England has replaced injured pacer Mark Wood with Will Jacks for the second Ashes Test in Brisbane.
Ben Stokes, the England captain, stated that the selection of Jacks was tactical and based on his batting ability.
Australia has a strong record in pink-ball Tests, winning 13 out of 14 matches.
Mitchell Starc has been particularly effective with the pink ball, taking 81 wickets at an average of 17.08.
The pink ball's behavior, including its unpredictable movement and visibility issues, poses challenges for batsmen.
- Who
- Steve Smith, Shivnarine Chanderpaul, Mitchell Starc, Ben Stokes, Will Jacks
- What
- Steve Smith adopting anti-glare tapes for pink-ball Test cricket and England's team changes for the second Ashes Test
- When
- On the eve of the second Ashes Test
- Where
- Brisbane, Australia
- Why
- To improve batting performance and adapt to the challenges of pink-ball cricket, and to replace injured Mark Wood
- Player
- Steve Smith
- Inspiration
- Shivnarine Chanderpaul
- Event
- Second Ashes Test
- Location
- Brisbane, Australia
- Average in Pink-Ball Tests
- 37.04
- Average in Day Matches
- 58.31
- Hundreds in Day Matches
- 35
- Anti-Glare Tapes Effect
- Blocks 65% of glare
- Australia's Pink-Ball Record
- 13 wins out of 14
- England's Pink-Ball Record
- 2 wins out of 14
- Mitchell Starc's Pink-Ball Stats
- 81 wickets at 17.08 average
- Starc's Red-Ball Stats
- 28.97 average, 49.9 strike rate
- England's Replacement
- Will Jacks
- Reason for Jacks' Selection
- Tactical and batting ability
Sources
Ashes: Steve Smith takes inspiration from Chanderpaul in bid to better his numbers in pink-ball Tests
‘You’re wearing them the wrong way’: Steve Smith reveals conversation with Shivnarine Chanderpaul about wearing eye blacks for Pink-Ball Ashes Test
Ashes 2025-26: 'If we wanted out best spinner then Bashir would have played,' says Stokes on picking Will Jacks for Brisbane Test
