Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc openly criticized the Real-Time Snickometer, known as Snicko, during the third Ashes Test in Adelaide. Starc labeled the technology "the worst ever" after a series of controversial decisions across two days sparked frustration from both teams. His comments, picked up by stump microphones, highlighted growing concerns about the Decision Review System's (DRS) reliability at the Adelaide Oval.^{[1][2][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]} ### Snicko Under Fire on Day One The controversy began on Day 1 of the third Ashes Test. England appealed for a caught-behind dismissal against Australian wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey when he was on 72 runs.^{[3][4][5][8][10][12]} Replays showed a visible spike on Snicko, but the audio appeared before the ball reached Carey's bat.^{[2][3][4][5][7][8][10][15][12]} Third umpire Chris Gaffaney ruled Carey not out, citing a "clear gap" between bat and ball.^{[3][4][5][12]} Carey later admitted he believed he had edged the ball.^[2][3][4][7] The technology provider, BBG Sports, later acknowledged a mistake in the system.^{[1][3][4][5][7][8][10][16]} BBG Sports founder Warren Brennan explained the error was likely due to selecting an incorrect stump microphone for audio processing.^{[3][4][7][16]} England had their lost review reinstated after discussing the matter with match referee Jeff Crowe.^{[2][7][8][10][16]} Carey went on to score a crucial 106 runs, helping Australia post a strong first-innings total of 371.^{[1][2][3][4][5][8][10]} ### Day Two Drama Fuels Starc's Outburst The issues with Snicko resurfaced on Day 2, intensifying the debate. In the 43rd over, Australian captain Pat Cummins bowled a short delivery to England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith.^{[1][3][4][5][6][8][9][10][12][14]} Australians appealed for a caught-behind, convinced the ball had brushed Smith's glove before going to Usman Khawaja at slip.^{[1][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][12][14]} However, Snicko showed no spike.^{[3][4][5][7][8][12]} TV umpire Chris Gaffaney ruled the ball had deflected off Smith's helmet, not his glove, confirming the not-out decision.^{[1][3][4][5][6][7][8][10][12]} This decision visibly frustrated the Australian players.^{[1][2][3][6][8][9][10][12]} Mitchell Starc's anger boiled over following this call. His comments were captured by the stump microphone.^{[1][3][4][5][6][7][8][9][10][11][12][13][14]} Starc was heard saying, "Snicko needs to be sacked. That's the worst technology there is. They made a mistake the other day and they made another mistake today."^{[1][3][4][5][7][8][9][10][12][14]} Adding to the confusion, just two overs later, Smith was again involved in a DRS check.^{[3][4][5][7][15][12]} Smith attempted a pull shot off Cummins and was caught behind by Carey.^{[3][4][5][7][15][12]} On-field umpire Nitin Menon sent the decision upstairs without a review being taken.^{[3][4][5][7][15][12]} This time, Snicko showed a spike one frame after the ball passed the bat.^{[3][4][7][15][12]} This was deemed sufficient evidence to give Smith out, further fueling questions about the technology's consistency.^{[3][4][7][15][12]} England captain Ben Stokes also showed his displeasure with the ruling.^{[1][4][7][9][15]} ### Questions Mount Over Technology Reliability These repeated incidents have reignited a broader debate over the reliability of the Decision Review System technology in cricket.^{[3][4][5][6][7][8][15]} The inconsistencies in Snicko's readings have left players, officials, and fans questioning its accuracy and trust.^{[3][4][5][6][7][8][9][15]} Cricket legend Ricky Ponting voiced his concerns, stating that umpires do not trust the technology used in Australia.^[9] He believes the technology is substandard compared to what is used in other countries.^[9] "You've got to be able to trust the technology that is in place," Ponting told Channel Seven.^[9] The England and Wales Cricket Board has reportedly held discussions with Cricket Australia.^[16] These talks explored the possibility of replacing Snicko with an alternative, UltraEdge, for the upcoming Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.^[16] UltraEdge is a system pioneered by Hawk-Eye Innovations and is already used in Australia for the Big Bash League.^[16] Any mid-series switch would require a financial settlement between Cricket Australia, Fox Sports (the primary rights holder using Snicko), and BBG Sports.^[16] The ongoing controversies in Adelaide highlight the critical need for consistent and reliable technology in cricket. Players like Starc are demanding better systems to ensure fair and accurate decision-making during high-stakes matches like the Ashes. The debate continues as cricket authorities face pressure to address the technological shortcomings.

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