Australia’s premier batter Steve Smith has confirmed he will wear anti-glare strips under his eyes during the upcoming day-night Test at the Gabba, starting on Thursday. Smith also credited former West Indies great Shivnarine Chanderpaul for helping him get the technique right. The decision comes after Smith experimented with the strips under lights in the lead-up to the second Test against England, where he noticed a clear improvement in his visibility and comfort at the crease.
"I actually messaged Shivnarine Chanderpaul and asked him what his thoughts were, whether he wore the chalk or the strips. He said the strips, and he thinks it blocks out 65% of the glare. And he also said, 'I've seen photos, and you're wearing them the wrong way.' So yesterday I put them on the right way," Smith told reporters ahead of the second Ashes Test.
"I agree with him. I think it certainly stops the glare. Yeah, I'll be wearing them," he said.
Meanwhile, Australia have been unable to decide their playing XI for the second Test considering the mysterious nature of the Gabba pitch. When asked about Australia's playing XI, Smith said it will be determined after assessing the wicket.
"A whole heap of things are on the table. We'll wait and see what the wicket looks like. And from there we will determine a playing XI," Smith said.
The hosts, who are leading the series 1-0, have been rocked by injuries to their key players. On Tuesday, Usman Khawaja was ruled out of the second Test with a back issue.