MELBOURNE — Cricket fans watching Australia's Test series against the West Indies earlier this year might have noticed a subtle but striking change in Steve Smith's appearance. The prolific batter, known for his meticulous routines and unorthodox technique, was sporting two strips of black tape under his eyes. This wasn't a fashion statement or a new superstition; it was a practical piece of sports science aimed at giving him an edge. BBC Sport's Ask Me Anything team delves into the reasons behind Smith's eye-black, a trend increasingly seen across global sports.
The black adhesive strips, often referred to as "eye black" or "anti-glare strips," serve a primary function: to reduce glare from bright sunlight and stadium lights. By applying a matte, non-reflective surface under the eyes, the tape minimizes the amount of light reflecting off the cheekbones and into the eyes. This can improve visual contrast, making it easier for a batter like Smith to pick up the seam of a red ball hurtling towards him at 90 miles per hour, especially against a bright sky or under floodlights.
The Science of Sight on the Cricket Field
Visual acuity is paramount in cricket. A batter has mere milliseconds to judge the line, length, swing, and seam movement of a delivery. Any factor that compromises that judgment can be the difference between a century and a golden duck. Glare is a significant such factor. Dr. Sherylle Calder, a renowned visual skills coach who has worked with elite athletes including the South African and English cricket teams, explains the principle: "The black absorbs light rather than reflecting it. This reduces the glare and allows the athlete to see the ball more clearly against a bright background."
For Steve Smith, whose batting is built on an almost preternatural ability to watch the ball onto the bat, even a marginal visual improvement is worth pursuing. His adoption of the tape follows a broader trend of cricketers embracing every possible technological and scientific advantage. It's part of the same mindset that sees players use specially tinted sunglasses, different coloured grips on bats, and hyper-specific dietary plans.
From American Football to the Cricket Crease
While it may seem novel in cricket, the use of eye black has a long history in other sports, most notably American football and baseball. For decades, players have smeared black grease or applied adhesive strips under their eyes to combat the glare from stadium lights and the sun. The practice is so commonplace there that it's rarely questioned. Its migration into cricket is a recent phenomenon, accelerated by the sport's increasing crossover with high-performance departments that draw knowledge from a global athletic pool.
Several other high-profile cricketers have been spotted using similar tape, indicating it's more than just an individual quirk. England's Jonny Bairstow and West Indies' Shai Hope have used it during day-night Test matches, where the transition from natural sunlight to artificial lighting can be particularly challenging for the eyes. The benefits are believed to be most pronounced in specific conditions:
- Day-night matches under floodlights.
- Day matches with a bright sun and clear skies.
- Venues with light-coloured sightscreens or stands.
More Than Just Glare Reduction?
While reducing glare is the universally accepted primary purpose, some athletes and sports scientists suggest there may be secondary psychological benefits. The act of applying the tape can be part of a focused pre-performance routine, signaling to the brain that it's time to compete. Furthermore, the distinctive look can project an image of intensity and seriousness. "It makes you look like you mean business," one unnamed player was quoted as saying in a team environment, highlighting the mental edge it can provide.
It's also worth noting what the tape is *not*. It is not, as some casual observers have speculated, related to any specific eye injury or condition Smith is managing. Nor is it a form of zinc oxide, commonly used for sun protection. Modern athletic eye-black strips are typically made from a hypoallergenic, sweat-resistant vinyl or fabric adhesive designed specifically for skin application and easy removal.
The Practicalities and the Rules
The use of such tape is generally permitted under the Laws of Cricket and relevant playing regulations, as it is considered a protective item rather than a performance-enhancing drug or illegal equipment. However, as with any accessory, it must not pose a risk to other players—for example, by having loose, flapping edges. Smith's application is neat and minimal, ensuring it stays within the spirit of the game. The International Cricket Council (ICC) has no specific rule against it, treating it similarly to sweatbands, finger tape, or sunscreen.
Smith himself has been typically understated about the gear. When asked by commentators, he offered a straightforward explanation focused on utility. "It's just to reduce the glare a little bit, that's all," he said, downplaying the innovation as a simple tool for the job. This pragmatic approach is characteristic of Smith, who is constantly tweaking his game based on feel and feedback, whether it's a minor change to his stance or a new piece of kit.
A Symbol of Cricket's Evolution
The sight of Steve Smith with black tape under his eyes is a small but telling sign of modern cricket's evolution. It represents the sport's ongoing integration of sports science, where marginal gains are hunted in every conceivable area—from nutrition and sleep to recovery and, crucially, sensory perception. Where once a player might have simply squinted into the sun, today's elite athlete has a researched, tested solution at their disposal.
As broadcasting technology improves and fans scrutinize every detail, such accessories will become more common and more discussed. The black tape is a physical manifestation of the relentless pursuit of excellence that defines players like Smith. It’s a reminder that at the highest level, the battle is not just between bat and ball, but also against the environment and the limitations of the human body.
In conclusion, Steve Smith's black tape is a fusion of simple physics and cutting-edge sports preparation. It’s a tool for reducing glare, enhancing visual clarity, and providing that fractional advantage needed to excel in a sport decided by inches and milliseconds. As BBC Sport's analysis confirms, this isn't a gimmick; it's a calculated adaptation. As one sports optometrist put it to the Ask Me Anything team, "If it helps you see the ball 1% better, for an elite athlete, that's everything." Expect to see more of it in dugouts and on creases around the cricketing world.