Steve Smith Channels Chanderpaul: A Tactical Shift for Ashes 2025-26 Day-Night Test at Gabba

Steve Smith has gained more confidence in sporting the black strips under his eyes for the upcoming day-night Ashes Test match at the Gabba, having realized he had previously worn them upside down.

Commonly used by football players for night games, these black strips are part of Smith’s strategy to ensure he leaves no stone unturned when facing England’s bowling attack with the pink ball in varying lighting conditions.

His new style, inspired by former West Indies batsman Shivnarine Chanderpaul, generated significant buzz in cricket, particularly when Smith tried it out during practice this week.

“I reached out to Shivnarine Chanderpaul to ask about his preference between using the chalk or the strips. He recommended the strips, claiming they block out about 65 percent of the glare,” Smith shared at the captain’s press conference on Wednesday ahead of the second Test. “He also pointed out that I had been wearing them incorrectly. Yesterday, I adjusted them correctly and they do indeed reduce the glare. I’ll definitely be wearing them going forward.”

Australia is entering the match off a commanding eight-wicket win in the series opener in Perth, which concluded within two days after England, led by Ben Stokes, squandered several opportunities with their aggressive “Bazball” approach.

The Australians boast an impressive record in day-night Test matches, marred only by an eight-run defeat to the West Indies in January of the previous year at the Gabba—a venue where Australia’s dominance has been virtually unchallenged for decades.

England has not won an Ashes Test at the Gabba since 1986, nor claimed a Test victory on Australian soil since the 2010-11 series.

Stokes remains committed to England’s aggressive game strategy, despite heavy criticism in Perth. When asked about Australia’s approach, he summed it up succinctly.

“It’s about adapting to the conditions and what’s in front of us—playing the game in real time,” he explained. “This team has consistently excelled by assessing conditions and responding in the moment. That adaptability is key to success in Test cricket.”

Published on December 3, 2025.