The Ashes: Steve Smith’s NFL-inspired to combat the pink ball

Steve Smith is experimenting with NFL eye-wear but Usman Khawaja’s fitness remains unknown after Australia’s first day-night training session at the Gabba.

Steve Smith is experimenting with NFL eye-wear but Usman Khawaja’s fitness remains unknown after Australia’s first day-night training session at the Gabba.

Khawaja joined his team-mates at the Gabba but left the session early after deciding not to bat.

He sustained back spasms in the last Test in Perth.

He is expected to bat on Monday.

Smith donned black eye strips and batted for an extended period in the nets.

The New York-based Smith watched American sports closely and the black strips are commonly used in the NFL.

Steve Smith with black tape under his eyes during an Australia nets session at The Gabba. Picture: Getty Images

Baseball icon Babe Ruth used them almost a century ago and players have used them as a way of absorbing bright lights or simply to look aggressive on the field.

The sapping humidity was a reminder to both teams of the fitness challenges that awaits them in the pink ball Test on Thursday at the Gabba.

Originally published as The Ashes: Steve Smith’s NFL-inspired to combat the pink ball