Why is Steve Smith Sporting Black Tape Under His Eyes in the Ashes?

Steve Smith's use of black war paint during the second Ashes Test against England is a strategic move aimed at improving his batting performance. The Australian captain, who stepped in for the injured Pat Cummins, is employing this technique to enhance his vision while facing the pink ball, hoping to replicate the success of Travis Head's stunning century in the previous match. This article explores the significance of Smith's choice, its historical context in sports, and the ongoing debate regarding the effectiveness of 'eye black' in improving athletic performance.

Last updated: 17 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The Australian cricket team is currently in the midst of a five-match Ashes series against England, with the second Test well underway. Following an impressive eight-wicket victory in the first Test in Perth, Australia leads the series 1-0. Steve Smith, who captained the side in Cummins' absence, is hoping to build on this success as they move to the Gabba for the next match. His recent decision to use black strips under his eyes, inspired by former West Indies cricketer Shivnarine Chanderpaul, aims to counter the challenges posed by the pink ball in day-night Test conditions.

Key takeaways

Steve Smith is using black strips to enhance his vision during the pink-ball Test.
Travis Head's record-breaking century in the first Test has set a high standard for the series.
Smith's batting average in day-night Tests is significantly lower than in traditional matches.

Timeline: how we got here

The Ashes series began with Australia hosting England in December 2023. Key dates include:

1 December 2023: First Test at Optus Stadium, Perth – Australia wins by eight wickets.
7 December 2023: Second Test at the Gabba, Brisbane – Steve Smith employs black strips for improved vision.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Smith confirmed his use of 'eye blacks' ahead of the second Test, citing their potential benefits for tracking the pink ball. This move has sparked renewed interest in the efficacy of such techniques among athletes.

What was already established

Historically, 'eye black' has been used in various sports to reduce glare. Notably, Babe Ruth popularised the practice in baseball, and many football players, including Tom Brady, have adopted it as well. However, scientific studies on its effectiveness have produced mixed results, with some suggesting minimal impact.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

As the Ashes series unfolds, UK viewers are closely following the matches, enhancing the visibility of cricket in mainstream media. The series not only captivates cricket enthusiasts but also affects merchandise sales and viewership ratings.

Businesses and jobs

The series boosts local economies, particularly in host cities like Brisbane and Perth, through increased tourism and commerce related to the matches. Bars, restaurants, and hotels see surges in patronage during this period.

Policy and regulation

The governing bodies of cricket in the UK and Australia continue to monitor the series' impact, particularly regarding player safety and health protocols in light of changing conditions in day-night matches.

Numbers that matter

1: Number of centuries scored by Steve Smith in day-night Tests.
58.31: Smith’s batting average in day matches, significantly higher than his average in day-night conditions.
35: Total centuries scored by Smith in Test cricket, showcasing his prolific batting capabilities.
123: Runs scored by Travis Head in the first Test, marking a critical contribution to Australia's victory.
65%: Estimated glare reduction claimed by Chanderpaul regarding the effectiveness of eye black.

Definitions and jargon buster

Eye black: A black substance applied under the eyes to reduce glare and improve visibility.
Ashes: A Test cricket series played between England and Australia, regarded as one of the sport's most celebrated rivalries.
Day-night Test: A Test match played with a pink ball under lights, differing from traditional day matches.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the series progresses, Smith's performance will be closely watched, particularly his adaptation to day-night conditions with the pink ball. Fans can expect further developments based on his success with the black strips.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Following the Ashes, the focus will shift to upcoming series and tournaments, where players' experiences in the Ashes could influence training and strategies moving forward.

Signals to watch

Match performances, particularly Smith's batting averages in different conditions.
Feedback on the effectiveness of eye black from players across various sports.
Public and media response to the ongoing Ashes series, which could influence future formats of Test cricket.

Practical guidance

Do

Stay updated on match schedules and player performances during the Ashes.
Watch for innovations in player strategies, such as the use of eye black.

Don’t

Underestimate the impact of day-night matches on player performance and strategies.
Dismiss the potential benefits of techniques historically used in sports.

Checklist

Review player statistics before each match.
Follow expert analysis and commentary on the series.
Engage with cricket communities online for insights and discussions.
Monitor the effects of equipment and techniques used by players.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

While the use of eye black has historical precedence, its effectiveness remains debated. Limited scientific studies and anecdotal evidence suggest various outcomes, and individual experiences may vary. It's crucial to approach this topic with an understanding that personal performance can be influenced by numerous factors beyond equipment and techniques.

Bottom line

Steve Smith's strategic use of eye black in the ongoing Ashes series highlights the evolving nature of sports performance techniques. As the series progresses, both players and fans will be closely observing how these innovations impact batting effectiveness and overall match outcomes. The Ashes series continues to be a platform for adaptation and excellence in cricket.

FAQs

What is the purpose of eye black in cricket?

Eye black is used to reduce glare and improve visibility for players, helping them track the ball more effectively during matches, particularly in challenging light conditions.

How does Steve Smith's batting average in day-night Tests compare to day matches?

Steve Smith has a batting average of 37.04 in day-night Tests, significantly lower than his average of 58.31 in traditional day matches, indicating challenges in adapting to different conditions.

What was Travis Head's contribution in the first Test of the Ashes series?

Travis Head scored a blistering 123 runs in just 69 balls during the first Test, marking a pivotal performance that contributed to Australia's eight-wicket victory over England.