London, Dec 1: Australia’s preparations for the second Ashes Test have taken an intriguing turn, with Steve Smith spotted wearing black tape beneath his eyes during a practice session under lights at the Gabba. The stand-in captain, who is gearing up for a day-night contest featuring the pink ball, appeared in training with two dark patches familiar to followers of American sport.
The strips, often referred to as eye black, are traditionally used to cut down glare and sharpen contrast. Former West Indies stalwart Shivnarine Chanderpaul famously adopted the method during his career, and the practice dates back nearly a century in the United States, where baseball legend Babe Ruth and, more recently, NFL great Tom Brady were known to use under-eye paint.
Smith’s decision comes with the expectation that he may have to bat beneath the floodlights in Brisbane, where the reflective bounce of the wicket and the distinctive glow of the pink Kookaburra can make visibility tricky. Australia team-mate Marnus Labuschagne admitted he had not delved into the science but understood the logic.
“There’s some theory behind it – something to do with the glare rising off the surface,” he said. “Maybe it helps you pick up the ball a bit earlier. Even if it’s placebo, if it feels like it helps, then it helps. I’d love to see him walk out with the Shivnarine look and start belting it around.”
Whether eye black truly enhances performance remains a matter of debate. Various tests this century have produced mixed results. A 2008 episode of MythBusters found no significant benefit compared to light-coloured makeup, though the effect changed once a baseball cap was added, slightly reducing light exposure without eliminating glare entirely.
For now, the value of Smith’s new accessory will become clear only once the Ashes action resumes. (Agencies)
