Brydon Carse (left), and Steve Smith

Batters often raise concerns if there is movement or a distraction near the sight screen, as it affects their focus. There have also been occasions when batters have asked bowlers to remove wristbands or hairbands if their colour matches the ball.One well-known incident took place during the World Series Cup final on January 16, 1993, when Dean Jones asked Curtly Ambrose to remove his wristband.A similar but even more bizarre moment occurred during the New Year’s Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG). On Day 3 of the match, England fast bowler Brydon Carse, who was fielding at mid-on, was wearing sunglasses. The reflection from the glasses caught the sunlight and shone directly into Steve Smith’s eyes while he was batting.The distraction led Smith to step out of his crease and speak to Carse.

“Carsey! Can you just turn your glasses around? On the back,” Smith was heard saying on the stump microphone.Carse responded immediately by moving his sunglasses to the back of his head, and play continued.Meanwhile, Steve Smith became the second-highest run scorer in Ashes history. He reached the milestone during Australia’s first innings on Day 2 of the fifth Test in Sydney. Smith went past England great Jack Hobbs, who scored 3,636 runs in 41 matches and 71 innings at an average of 54.26, with 13 centuries and 15 half-centuries.Smith now has 3,644 runs in 41 matches and 73 innings in the Ashes at an average of 56.93, including 13 centuries and 15 half-centuries.Don Bradman remains the highest run scorer in Ashes history with 5,028 runs in 37 matches and 63 innings at an average of 89.78, with 19 centuries and 12 half-centuries.