Bizarre Steve Smith detail raises eyebrows ahead of second Ashes Test

Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has been spotted with an eye opening new addition as he looks to recapture some form in the second Test.

Steve Smith has been spotted trialling under eye tape. Image: Getty

Australia’s stand-in captain Steve Smith has been spotted using the NFL-style eye black as he looks to recapture the form that saw him become the world’s most feared batsman.

Smith managed just 19 runs in the opening Ashes Test in Perth and has struggled for runs in recent years.

The 36-year-old has averaged 34.33, 53.27 and 33.18 in the last three summers and is looking for any advantage to help him again reach his destructive best.

In search of just that, he appears set to turn to eye black for the pink-ball Test at the Gabba.

Eye black is a grease or strip applied under the eyes to reduce glare, with the theory being that it helps stop the glare of the sun and lights entering the peripheral area of the eye.

Therefore, in the case of Smith, it would be used to help see and track the pink ball.

With the first ball not scheduled until 3pm, batters will face the unique challenge of trying to pick up the moving pill as the sun goes down and the lights come on.

Steve Smith has been spotted trialling under eye tape. Image: Getty

In a bid to help counteract the challenge, Smith was seen trialling the eye black at Australia’s first training session before the second Test.

West Indies star Shivnarine Chanderpaul has turned to the tape on several occasions, but it is most often seen under the eyes of NFL players, to aid them with catching the ball at night.

Smith was in the nets for a long session against the pink ball, with coaches Andrew McDonald and Michael Di Venuto helping him get his reps in ahead of the pink ball Test that gets underway on Thursday.

Steve Smith is seen with black tape under his eyes during an Australia nets session. (Photo by Matt Roberts/Getty Images)

Australian selectors mull over opener conundrum

While Smith’s eye tape caught the eye, fans continued to look for hints as to who will open the batting.

While Usman Khawaja has been named in the 15-man squad, selectors are still reportedly mulling over whether or not he keeps his place at the top of the order.

The Aussies could still turn to Travis Head to open the batting alongside Jake Weatherald, after he shone in the second innings in Khawaja’s place in Perth.

That move would also allow for Beau Webster to come back into the team.

And Head is definitely open to the permanent move up the order.

“I agree with Pat (Cummins) that (orders) are slightly overrated,” Head said ahead of the second Test.

“The traditionalists would say, ‘This is how it has got to be’. But that is where the game is going, with when to use what.

“You could use this order and these players in a range of different ways to win games of cricket. I’m a player I feel like can play any role. I am open to it, and it’s just trying to work out in the game and in moments when that may come out.”

Australian selectors are expected to wait until the 11th hour to make their final call on the XI that will take to the pitch in Brisbane.

The second Ashes Test gets underway at 3pm on Thursday.

Originally published as Bizarre Steve Smith detail raises eyebrows ahead of second Ashes Test