Smith Commits to Anti-Glare Tape for Day-Night Test

Steven Smith has confirmed he will utilize anti-glare tape under his eyes for the upcoming day-night Test at the Gabba. This decision follows guidance from former West Indies player Shivnarine Chanderpaul, who advised Smith on the correct positioning of the strips.

Using Anti-Glare Tape for Performance Enhancement

Smith practiced with the anti-glare strips under floodlights leading to the second Test match against England. He reported feeling a significant improvement in his batting performance.

• Chanderpaul suggested the tape blocks approximately 65% of glare.
• Smith acknowledged initial incorrect usage of the strips.

“I put them on the right way yesterday, and I agree with him. I think it certainly stops the glare,” Smith stated.

Challenges of Day-Night Test Matches

Day-night Tests present unique challenges for players, particularly with the pink ball. Smith has an average of 37.04 in these matches, compared to 58.31 in traditional day matches. His concerns regarding the transition from twilight to complete darkness are evident.

“It’s a tricky one. The ball reacts differently to a red one,” he explained. “You’ve got to try and play what’s in front of you at that time.”

Conditions at the Gabba

Smith highlighted that the Gabba wicket is known for being hard and fast, affecting the performance of the pink ball. He compared it to the conditions in Adelaide, where the ball tends to remain harder for a longer duration due to different pitch characteristics.

• Gabba’s surface can cause the pink ball to soften quicker than expected.
• Players may experience comfort at times, making it crucial to adapt quickly.

Flexible Batting Line-up Considerations

As uncertainty surrounds Australia’s batting line-up, Smith expressed openness to in-match adjustments, including the potential use of two nightwatchmen. Despite previously agreeing to a flexible approach, he suggested that consistent batting roles can be beneficial.

“I think it’s nice to have a single role and try to get used to that as much as possible,” he remarked. This reflects his awareness of the dynamics of day-night cricket while acknowledging the differing views among teammates.

As Australia prepares for the challenging day-night Test, Smith’s commitment to using anti-glare tape illustrates his proactive approach to overcoming potential distractions and optimizing his performance.