Contact lenses are vital for cricketers looking to enhance their vision on the field. Many top cricketers have used contact lenses at various points in their careers to improve their game. Here’s a look at some famous players who wear contact lenses during competitive cricket.
Daniel Vettori
New Zealand found a spinning sensation in Daniel Vettori, who became a crucial player for the Blackcaps over nearly two decades. Known for his remarkable spin-bowling, he consistently delivered for New Zealand, eventually playing over 113 Test matches and ODIs. His distinctive look with spectacles often gave him an unassuming appearance, which occasionally lulled batters into complacency. Vettori scored more than 3,000 runs and took over 300 wickets, playing a pivotal role in New Zealand’s journey to the 2015 World Cup final.
Narendra Hirwani
Narendra Hirwani made a memorable debut for India against the West Indies, claiming eight wickets and dismissing legendary batter Sir Viv Richards. His impressive debut, complete with his trademark spectacles, left a lasting impression on fans worldwide. Though his international career was brief—18 ODIs and 17 Test matches—he continued to dominate in domestic cricket, amassing over 730 wickets across two decades.
David Steele
English batter David Steele, who wore contact lenses, made his England debut against Australia in 1975, late in his cricket career. His performance earned him respect and a place in England’s Test team for nearly a decade. Steele played over 500 first-class matches and scored more than 22,300 runs, including 30 centuries. He retired in 1984 after an impressive domestic and international career.
Mike Smith
Mike Smith, former England captain, was known for his reliability as a team player and his ever-present spectacles. He played over 50 Test matches and amassed a staggering 39,830 runs across 630+ first-class games. After retiring in 1975, he served as an ICC match referee and even returned to competitive sports, playing rugby for England.
Geoff Boycott
Geoff Boycott, a prolific English batsman, transitioned from glasses to contact lenses in the early ’60s. He scored over 48,000 runs and made 151 centuries in first-class cricket, captaining both his club and country. Now retired, Boycott is a respected pundit, offering insights into classic and modern cricket.
Dilip Doshi
A late bloomer, Dilip Doshi began his Test career for India at age 30. Known for his effective spin bowling and spectacles, Doshi played 33 Tests and 15 ODIs, claiming 114 and 22 wickets, respectively. His standout performances, including a fiery debut against Australia, cemented his status as an essential player for India from 1979 to 1983.