Cricket has seen some curious innovations over the years, aluminium bats, switch-hits, even Rishabh Pant’s babysitting banter, but Steve Smith turning to Major League Baseball for batting clarity at the Gabba might be the most delightfully unexpected of the lot.
Ahead of the Brisbane day-night Test, Smith found himself fighting an unusual opponent: glare. Under lights, the pink ball skids, reflects, and flashes in maddening ways. Even Australia’s most obsessive visual technician felt the distraction. Enter eye black, which is the same style of baseball stickers players use under their eyes to help block out light reflections; Smith tested them on net balls, hit one nicely for his first ball, and exclaimed, “I can actually see the ball!” That’s scary enough for a guy who has averaged over 55 in Tests.
Milwaukee to the Gabba: An Unlikely Supply Chain
Smith’s search didn’t start in a baseball store; it started with Nathan Lyon. As Australia’s National Inclusion Ambassador, Lyon tapped into his connections with the country’s Deaf cricket community. That led to Sean Walsh, an off-spinner and long-term member of the Australian Deaf team who also works with the Brisbane Bandits, a baseball franchise tied to the Milwaukee Brewers for 30 years.
A few calls later, Walsh found himself explaining Test cricket to an American executive who had never heard of Steve Smith or pink-ball cricket. Yet, through Redcliffe’s “Leading Edge” store, eye stickers were secured, and a cross-sport collaboration was born.
The Visibility Problem Pink-Ball Cricket Won’t Admit
The pink ball, marketed as the future of Test cricket, brings its own optical quirks. The lacquer shines under lights, the seam reflects differently, and the bright strip of turf at the Gabba can create a halo effect. Batters often speak about momentary blind spots when facing full deliveries. Smith’s initial attempt with black zinc failed because sweat would smear it. Stickers, however, stay sharp and structured, exactly what he needs for a microsecond reaction clarity.
Labuschagne’s Laughter and the Session That Sold the Stickers
When Smith slapped on the new accessory, Marnus Labuschagne dubbed them the “Shivnarines,” referencing Shivnarine Chanderpaul’s iconic sponsored eye patches. Smith’s first ball with the stickers produced an instant epiphany. He didn’t just see the ball better; he felt the shot. That feedback loop is vital for a batter who obsesses over visual cues. The team hooted, joked, and filmed, but they also watched a potential tactical advantage unfold in real time.
Growing Trend or One-Off Quirk? Australia Thinks Bigger
From jokes about sticker sponsorships to teammates inspecting the reflective benefits, Smith’s black eyes experiment became the talking point of the training week. With Marnus seconding the idea, and Smith requesting an extended supply, the culture shift is visible: Australia is open to merging American sporting science with Test cricket craft. If it works under lights, the Gabba Test may be remembered not for the first ball bowled, but the first sticker worn.
The fact that Smith has adopted eye black as an aspect of his Test preparation (other than a catchy pre-Test headline) reminds us that all elite cricketers are constantly on the lookout for tiny advantages in their performance. If using eye black to eliminate glare allows Smith to identify the length of the delivery slightly sooner, improve his ability to bat through the new ball, or perform better under lights, this could signal the beginning of a trend rather than just a fad.
Key Takeaway
Smith hasn’t reinvented batting; he’s refined visibility.
FAQs
- What are the eye stickers Steve Smith is using?
Baseball-style eye black stickers designed to reduce glare from lights and reflective surfaces.
- Why is Smith using them for the pink-ball Test?
Under lights, the pink ball creates visibility challenges. The stickers help increase contrast and focus.
- How did the Milwaukee Brewers become part of this story?
Through the Brisbane Bandits’ 30-year link with Milwaukee, which helped source the stickers via a local baseball goods store.
Disclaimer: This blog post reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. Readers are encouraged to consider the perspectives shared and draw their own conclusions.
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