In the high-stakes arena of Test cricket, a batter's concentration is sacred. Any movement or visual distraction near the sight screen can break their focus, often leading to direct requests to opponents. This long-standing unwritten rule was invoked again during the recent Ashes Test in Sydney, leading to a truly bizarre moment involving Australian batting maestro Steve Smith and England's Brydon Carse.
The Bizarre Sunglasses Incident That Stopped Play
On the third day of the New Year's Ashes Test at the iconic Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), an unusual interruption occurred. England fast bowler Brydon Carse, who was fielding at the mid-on position, was wearing sunglasses. The reflection from his glasses caught the bright Sydney sunlight and created a sharp beam of light that shone directly into the eyes of Steve Smith, who was batting at the time.
The sudden glare proved to be a significant distraction for Smith. He immediately stepped out of his batting crease to address the issue. The stump microphone clearly picked up Smith's polite but firm request to the fielder. "Carsey! Can you just turn your glasses around? On the back," Smith was heard saying. Carse responded promptly and without argument, moving his sunglasses to the back of his head, allowing play to resume smoothly.
A History of Batters vs. Distractions
This incident is not an isolated one in cricket history. Batters have frequently raised concerns about potential distractions that could affect their laser-sharp focus. A common request involves asking bowlers or fielders to remove accessories like wristbands or hairbands, especially if their colour is similar to the red ball, which could create a confusing visual for a split second.
One of the most famous precedents for this occurred decades ago. On January 16, 1993, during the World Series Cup final, Australian batsman Dean Jones asked West Indies pace legend Curtly Ambrose to remove his white wristband. Ambrose famously complied, but the moment entered cricket folklore, highlighting the psychological battles within the game.
Smith's Historic Ashes Achievement
Amidst this peculiar interruption, Steve Smith was in the process of etching his name deeper into Ashes history. During Australia's first innings on Day 2 of the same Sydney Test, Smith achieved a monumental personal milestone. He surpassed the legendary England batsman Sir Jack Hobbs to become the second-highest run-scorer in the 140-year history of the Ashes rivalry.
Here is a breakdown of the historic numbers:
- Steve Smith: He now has 3,644 runs in 41 Ashes matches and 73 innings. He averages an impressive 56.93, with 13 centuries and 15 half-centuries to his name.
- Jack Hobbs (Previous 2nd): The England great had scored 3,636 runs in 41 matches and 71 innings at an average of 54.26, with 13 hundreds and 15 fifties.
- Don Bradman (1st): The immortal Sir Donald Bradman remains the undisputed king of Ashes batting. He tops the list with a staggering 5,028 runs in just 37 matches and 63 innings, boasting a phenomenal average of 89.78, including 19 centuries and 12 half-centuries.
The Sydney Test, therefore, encapsulated two contrasting yet compelling narratives: the timeless pursuit of individual statistical greatness and the quirky, unpredictable human moments that make cricket a endlessly fascinating sport. Smith's ascent past Hobbs is a testament to his skill and longevity, while the sunglasses episode serves as a reminder that even at the highest level, the game's flow can hinge on the simplest of details.
