The Ashes: Snicko operator admits mistake led to Alex Carey’s poor decision in third Test | Cricket News
The operator of the Snicko technology used in the Ashes has admitted an error led to Australian Alex Carey wrongly surviving a test in England on the opening day of the third Test.
Carey took Australia to 326-8 with a superb maiden Ashes century but momentarily looked like he might not reach the landmark when England immediately requested a review after his appeal for being caught behind Josh Tongue’s bowling was rejected by umpire Ahsan Raza.
There was a clear pop as the ball passed Carey’s outside edge, while there was also a sharp tip to the Snicko technology used to facilitate such decisions. However, television umpire Chris Gaffaney quickly ruled that the no-out decision should stand as Snicko’s spike appeared before the ball reached the bat.
Carey, who later made 106 after being on 72 at the time of review, admitted in a post-close press conference that he thought he had edged the delivery.
Later Wednesday, BBG Sports, the company that owns Snicko, admitted culpability for the mistake. The company admitted that audio was incorrectly extracted from the stump mic on the bowler’s side, creating the delay that caused the audio peak and images to be so out of sync.
“Given that Alex Carey admitted to hitting the ball in question, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that Snicko’s operator at the time must have selected the wrong microphone for audio processing,” BBG Sports said.
“In light of this, BBG Sports takes full responsibility for this error.”
It remains to be seen how crucial the moment could prove, with England needing to win to prevent Australia retaining the Ashes after losing the first two Tests of the five-match series.
Before the statement confirming the error, Carey said: “I thought there was a feather or some sort of noise when it went past the bat.
“If I had been dealt, I think I would have looked at it, probably not with confidence. It was a nice sound when he passed the bat.”
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Alex Carey has responded with a cheeky response if he is a ‘walker’, following the controversial no-out call during the third Ashes Test.
Also speaking before the error was confirmed, England bowling coach David Saker suggested the tourists might feel the need to make a formal complaint to match officials over their reservations over the technology.
“I don’t think we’ve done anything so far, but after today maybe it could go a bit further,” said Saker, who handled England’s media duties after Wednesday’s match.
“There have been concerns about it throughout the series. We shouldn’t talk about it after a day of play, it should just be better than that. It is what it is.”
Carey completes her first Ashes century
There was significant controversy over Snicko in the first Test when England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith was caught behind despite the small spike which turned out to be out of sync with the ball passing the bat.
Officials justified this decision by explaining that the technology presents a possible two-frame gap between the images and the sound wave.
England declined to make any further comment after the operational error was confirmed.
Finn calls for the end of Snicko | Athers supports TV referee
Former England bowler Steven Finn strongly criticized the technology, calling for its removal after this series.
A more advanced version of the technology, UltraEdge, is used in other countries, including England, to assist referees with their reviews.
Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player
Flashback to one of the most unforgettable Ashes moments, when Stuart Broad refused to walk during the Ashes in 2013.
Finn said TNT Sports: “Ashes series usually end people’s careers. This could be the end of Snicko’s career when this one ends.
“The performances have been terrible throughout the series. There have been three or four incidents, so hopefully they can refine that.”
Aerial sports Michael Atherton said he thought the technology had resulted in a bad call, but the third umpire had no choice but to not give it.
England finally got Carey out for 106
“The decision has not been made, so the third referee has to be absolutely certain, with the evidence he has, that he can overturn that decision,” Atherton said at the press conference. Sky Sports Cricket Podcast.
“I think the third umpire gave the only call he could give because the spike and the visuals of the ball going past the stick were so out of sync.
“I think the rule is if it’s one frame, it’s fine, they can do it. But it was hugely out of sync, so I’m not sure what the third official could do.”
Ashes series in Australia 2025-26
Australia leads five-match series 2-0
