A peculiar moment unfolded on Day 3 of the fifth Ashes Test at the Sydney Cricket Ground on January 6, 2026, when Australian batting maestro Steve Smith made an unusual request to England fast bowler Brydon Carse. While building his unbeaten 129, Smith appeared distracted by sunlight reflecting off Carse's sunglasses directly into his eyes during the bowler's run-up. In a gesture that left commentators and viewers stunned, Smith politely asked Carse to turn his sunglasses around and wear them on the back of his head to reduce the glare. Remarkably, Carse obliged, adjusting his eyewear accordingly before continuing his spell, highlighting the unusual on-field courtesy amid intense Test cricket.

The incident, captured on camera and quickly shared across social media, drew widespread reactions for its sheer oddity. Former England cricketer and commentator Nasser Hussain described it as something he had “never seen in my life,” underscoring how rare such a direct player-to-player request is during a high-stakes Ashes encounter. Smith, known for his meticulous preparation and occasional eccentricities at the crease, managed to stay focused and reached his 37th Test century earlier in the innings, moving him further up the all-time Ashes run-scorers list, second only to the legendary Sir Don Bradman. Australia ended the day with a commanding 134-run first-innings lead, thanks to centuries from both Smith and Travis Head.

Brydon Carse, making his Ashes impact as a key part of England's pace attack, handled the request with good humor, a gesture that added a touch of lightheartedness to an otherwise fiercely contested series. The moment went viral, with fans and pundits praising the sportsmanship while marveling at Smith's ability to notice and address such a minor distraction mid-innings. It also reflected the unique dynamics of Test cricket, where players sometimes negotiate small adjustments for visibility and comfort, even between opponents.

Also Read: Usman Khawaja Completes 8,000 International Runs In Boxing Day Ashes Test

The episode provided a memorable sideshow on a day dominated by Australia's batting dominance and England's struggle to claw back into the contest. As the series heads toward its conclusion, such quirky interactions serve as a reminder of the human elements that make the Ashes one of cricket's most enduring rivalries.

Also Read: “Everyone Lost Faith”: England Great Slams Snicko Technology in Third Ashes Test