Nine’s Wide World of Sports
Updated . First published at
Australian captain Steve Smith is leaving no stone unturned in preparations for the pink-ball Ashes Test this week, donning NFL-style black eye tape at training.
Smith was in the nets for a lead-up session on Sunday night, with the hosts looking to take a 2-0 lead in the series against England.
Vision emerged of the 36-year-old wearing the black eye tape in a bid to reduce glare and see the pink ball better under lights, according to The Sydney Morning Herald.
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Steve Smith Getty
Smith has become engrossed in American culture, having purchased a property in New York where he lives during his time away from the field.
The black eye tape has been used in US sports for almost a century, having first been utilised by baseball icon Babe Ruth, before becoming commonplace in the NFL.
West Indies cricket legend Shivnarine Chanderpaul also used it late in his career.
After being held at Adelaide Oval last year, the annual day-night fixture will this summer be played at the Gabba, and Smith will no doubt be at the forefront.
One man whose spot is unclear at this stage however is Usman Khawaja's, who didn't bat in the nets on Sunday and could be left out of the XI.
Khawaja failed to open the batting in the first innings in Perth due to back spasms and didn't bat at all in Australia's successful chase.
Usman Khawaja Getty
Travis Head opened and went on to score a match-winning century, casting doubts over Khawaja's spot.
Beau Webster and Josh Inglis are both in the squad and could come in should the 38-year-old be omitted on his home deck in Brisbane.
Injured skipper Pat Cummins has travelled with the team but likely won't play as he continues to recover from a back issue.
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Australian captain Steve Smith dons NFL-style eye tape as pink-ball Test preparations ramp up – Nine
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