Steve Smith reveals unusual method planned to combat pink-ball glare in second Ashes Test after Shivnarine Chanderpaul text
Published 03/12/2025 at 13:30 GMT
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Steve Smith has discussed his unusual plans to counter any pink-ball glare after receiving a text from West Indies legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul. Smith revealed what Chanderpaul told him ahead of the start of the second Test of the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes Series at The Gabba on Thursday. Australia won the first Test by eight wickets after a stunning display from Travis Head.
'I messaged Chanderpaul...' - Smith reveals unusual method he is using to prepare for pink ball
Video credit: TNT Sports
Steve Smith has revealed the expert advice he received from West Indies icon Shivnarine Chanderpaul in a bid to help him cope with the glare of the sun during the second Test of the NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes Series.
The cricket legend texted Smith to tell him that black tape is better at minimising the impact of intense light than chalk, and Smith has taken his advice, donning the strips as he prepares for the start of the second Test on Thursday.
Australia are currently 1-0 up in the series after a second-innings knock of 123 from Travis Head inspired them to an impressive eight-wicket win in the opener in Perth.
Smith says that the tape is already making a difference ahead of the start of the day-night Test in Brisbane.
"I actually messaged Shivnarine Chanderpaul and asked him what his thoughts were," he said.
"If he wore the chalk or the strips, he says the strips, he thinks they block out 65% of the glare.
"He also said that he had seen photos and I am wearing them the wrong way.
"So yesterday I put them on the right way and I agree with him, I think it certainly stops the glare."
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Highlights: Head inspires Australia to first Test win on Day 2
Video credit: TNT Sports
The third and fourth Tests will also take place this month in Adelaide and Melbourne, respectively.
Smith expects the Brisbane meeting to be particularly tricky due to the use of a pink ball, rather than a red one.
"It is a tricky one, obviously the [pink] ball reacts differently to a red one," he said.
"It can change quickly, moving randomly, so yeah, you have got to try and play what is in front of you at that time, and when it does shift on you, and the ball starts to do something different, you have got to come up with plans to counter that.
"Whether it be being more aggressive, whether it be going into your shell and trying to get through that period.
"Everyone is different, but it is about trying to be one step ahead or playing it live when it starts to shift."
England have made one change to their squad ahead of the start of the second Test, with Will Jacks replacing Mark Wood due to injury.
Smith expects more of the same from England, despite Wood’s absence.
"They have obviously changed their team, it was a forced change with Woody out and Jacks in," he added.
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"A spinning option, and it lengthens their batting a little bit.
"They have said for a while that they are not going to really change the way they go about their business.
"I don’t expect too much to be different. For us, it is not focusing too much on what they do.
"It is about making sure that we have got our plans in place, focusing on what we do well and doing it for a long period of time.
"I am looking forward to another Test match here tomorrow."
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