Since the photos of Smith with black eyes during the practice sessions leading up to the second meeting went viral, Chanderpaul had a discussion with the Australian batsman about the correct way to wear the strips. Notably, Smith himself had contacted the West Indian veteran about the best way to use eye black, and the latter very kindly passed on his wisdom.
“I messaged Shivnarine Chanderpaul and asked him what his thoughts were, whether he was wearing the chalk or the strips. He said the strips and he thinks it blocks 65% of the glare. And he also said, ‘I’ve seen pictures and you’re wearing them the wrong way’. So yesterday I applied them the right way. I agree with him. I think it definitely blocks the glare. Yes, I will wear them,” said Smith. ESPNcricinfo.
Smith will be seen wearing black eyes on the field for the first time in his Test career as the Brisbane encounter will be a day-night affair. The veteran batsman has cited that the blacks will help him reduce the glare significantly and ultimately get some runs in tough conditions as the Pink Ball is relatively more useful for the pacers.
Chanderpaul is the most famous batsman to use the eye blacks during his active international career. Although it was more about his technique and temperament, the Blacks played a part in him becoming only the second player after the great Brian Lara to cross the 10,000 run mark in Tests for the West Indies. He also maintained a batting average of 51.37 after 164 Tests and nearly 12,000 runs.
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