The simmering tension around the Decision Review System (DRS) and its Snickometer technology boiled over dramatically on Day 2 of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, with Australian pace spearhead Mitchell Starc calling for it to be "sacked" following a pair of contentious decisions involving England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith.
Starc's Stump Mic Explosion Over Snicko
The frustration within the Australian camp reached a peak in the 44th over of England's innings on Thursday, December 18, 2025. Australian captain Pat Cummins bowled a sharp delivery that whizzed past the raised bat and gloves of Jamie Smith. The visitors appealed vociferously for a catch, believing the ball had brushed the glove on its way to keeper Alex Carey.
On-field umpire Nitin Menon, uncertain if the slip catch by Usman Khawaja was clean, opted to send the decision upstairs to third umpire Chris Gaffaney for review. Replays presented a puzzle: Snicko showed no spike as the ball passed Smith's gloves, but a significant spike was detected as it passed his helmet. Based on this, Gaffaney ruled Smith not out, much to Australia's disbelief.
It was at this moment that Starc's anger was captured live on the stump microphone for the world to hear. The left-arm quick was overheard fuming, "Snicko needs to be sacked… worst technology there is! They make a mistake the other day, they make another mistake today." His comment referenced a similar reprieve given to Alex Carey on Day 1, which had angered England.
A Short-Lived Reprieve for Jamie Smith
Smith's luck, however, ran out just two overs later, but in a manner that left the English side equally aggrieved. Facing Cummins again, Smith attempted to slap a rising delivery but appeared to miss it. Carey took the catch and another appeal was made.
Umpire Menon again referred the catch to the third umpire. This time, Snicko displayed a clear spike as the ball passed the bat, even though visual replays suggested a gap. With the technology indicating an edge, Gaffaney had little choice but to overturn the on-field decision and give Smith out. The batter departed for 22, visibly frustrated, as was England captain Ben Stokes at the non-striker's end.
The Growing DRS Debate in the Ashes
This incident has intensified the ongoing debate about the consistency and interpretation of DRS technology in this high-stakes series. The tool designed to eliminate howlers is now creating its own drama, with both teams feeling hard done by within a 24-hour period.
Starc's very public criticism underscores the heightened emotions and pressure of the Ashes battle. It places the spotlight squarely on the protocols governing the use of Snicko and the weight given to its data versus real-time visuals. The controversy is sure to reignite discussions among cricket's governing bodies about potential refinements to the system, as players' trust in the technology appears to be wavering at a critical juncture in one of sport's oldest rivalries.
