The Ashes rivalry is known for its intensity, but a rare light-hearted moment stole the spotlight during Day 3 of the fifth Test in Sydney. Amid the fierce contest between bat and ball, an unexpected exchange between Steve Smith and Brydon Carse brought a touch of humor to the game.
Smith, well set at the crease and batting with confidence, appeared momentarily distracted as England fast bowler Carse fielded nearby wearing sunglasses. The reflection from the lenses seemed to catch Smith’s eye, prompting an unusual pause in proceedings.
In a moment that surprised many, Smith walked down the pitch and politely asked Carse to adjust his sunglasses to reduce the glare. The request was calm and respectful, standing out in a series often marked by relentless competitive edge.
Steve Smith v Brydon Carse's sunnies 😎 #Ashes pic.twitter.com/7AvbgwuSP2
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) January 6, 2026
Carse initially looked taken aback but responded in good spirit. He shifted his sunglasses to the back of his head, effectively removing the distraction and allowing play to resume without any escalation.
The brief interaction created a moment of forced camaraderie on the field, drawing smiles from players and commentators alike. It also highlighted the mutual respect that can exist beneath the surface of one of cricket’s most intense rivalries.
Twitter quickly lit up with reactions, as fans shared clips and jokes about the incident. Many praised both players for handling the situation with maturity and humor, turning a small on-field moment into one of the day’s most memorable talking points.