The ICC reinstated England’s DRS after admitting a technical fault occurred on the first day of the third Ashes Test in Australia. Following discussions between England team management and match referee Jeff Crowe, the technology provider admitted that an operator error could have denied England a wicket.
Controversy arose over Alex Carey’s no-call decision, where Snicko failed to perform properly during the exam. Carey, who was batting on 72, survived a call taken behind Josh Tongue after the on-field umpire turned it down. The visiting team reviewed the decision and referred it to the third official.
While the audio picked up a noticeable sound, replays suggested it occurred before the ball hit the bat. The TV referee decided to stick with the original no-release decision. Carey then took advantage of the opportunity to finally score a century.
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England exam reinstated after technological failure
According to ESPNCricinfo, the visitors have had their lost notice reinstated after officials admitted a technological glitch in the controversial call involving Alex Carey. Following the incident, Brendon McCullum and team manager Wayne Bentley met with match referee Jeff Crowe to express their concerns.
“ESPNcricinfo understands that Brendon McCullum and Wayne Bentley, head coach and manager of the England team respectively, spoke to Jeff Crowe, the match referee, after the end of the match to air their grievances. The ECB will also encourage the ICC to review its systems to improve its decision-making processes in the future,” the report said.
ICC rules allow reinstatement of exam after technology failure
The ICC playing conditions allow a team to obtain a review if a decision cannot be made correctly due to a technological failure. This rule has been used before, including during England’s tour of India in 2021, when a similar error occurred.
The match referee, Jeff Crowe, ruled that the review lost by the English team should be reinstated. As a result, England had two reviews available when play resumed on the second day in Adelaide, with Australia continuing their innings at 326 for 8.
The incident also drew attention to the two different sound-based edge detection systems approved by the ICC. Australia uses the RTS system, while UltraEdge is used in other parts of the world.
Referees can’t trust technology – Ricky Ponting
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting questioned the reliability of the RTS system. He said match officials lack confidence in technology, making decision-making more difficult for third officials. Ponting added that referees should not have to rely on their instincts when reviewing incidents.
“The technology we use here is just not as good as what is used in other countries,” Ponting told Channel 7. “You talk to the referees, they will tell you the same thing. They can’t trust it.
“They have a third arbiter who has to make decisions based on what he sees the technology is giving them, and sometimes they feel like it’s not right. It can’t happen. You have to be able to trust the technology that’s in place.”
Also read: Alex Carey’s shocking confession reveals Snicko’s failure to save him; Ashes controversy erupts
