Controversy Arises Over Snicko Technology in Ashes Test

The ongoing third Ashes Test has sparked controversy as England contemplates raising issues with the Snicko technology after a procedural error was admitted by its supplier. The incident occurred during a caught-behind appeal involving Australia's Alex Carey, who claimed he made contact with the ball. Despite the umpire's ruling, the Snickometer's findings have raised questions about the accuracy of the technology. With Australia finishing Day 1 at 326/8, the implications of this decision could have lasting effects on the match. Read on for a detailed breakdown of the events and reactions from key players.

By Narendra Chaudhary Dec 17, 2025, 19:37 IST

Concerns Raised by England

England is considering addressing the match referee regarding the Snicko technology utilized in Australia. This follows the supplier's acknowledgment of 'full responsibility' for a possible procedural mistake during Day 1 of the ongoing third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval, as reported by a sports news outlet.

The Disputed Call

During the 63rd over, bowled by Josh Tongue, Australia's Alex Carey, who was on 72, edged the first ball, leading to an immediate caught-behind appeal from England's players, including wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. However, umpire Ahsan Raza ruled Carey not out, prompting England to challenge the decision.

Snickometer Findings

The Real-Time Snickometer technology indicated a significant spike, but this occurred three to four frames before the ball reached Carey's bat. TV umpire Chris Gaffaney clarified that the spike was detected 'before the bat' and that the ball appeared to have 'gone well under' the bat, stating, 'There's a clear gap, no spike.'

Carey's Perspective

Despite the ruling, Carey, who added 34 runs after the decision, insisted he had made contact with the ball. He remarked, 'I thought there was a bit of a feather or some sort of noise when it passed the bat. It looked a bit funny on the replay, didn't it, with the noise coming early? If I were given out, I think I would have reviewed it - probably not confidently though. It was a nice sound as it passed the bat, yeah.'

Acknowledgment of Error

Warren Brennan, founder of BBG Sports, the technology provider for Tests in Australia, stated, 'Given that Alex Carey admitted he had hit the ball in question, the only conclusion that can be drawn from this is that the Snicko operator at the time must have selected the incorrect stump mic for audio processing.' He further added, 'In light of this, BBG Sports takes full responsibility for the error.'

Day 1 Summary

In the third Ashes Test, Australia chose to bat first, concluding Day 1 at 326/8, bolstered by Carey's 106 and Usman Khawaja's 82. Jofra Archer emerged as England's standout bowler with figures of 3-23, while Brydon Carse and Will Jacks each took two wickets, and Josh Tongue claimed one.