'Worst technology ever': Mitchell Starc Slams Snicko Amidst Ashes Controversy in Adelaide

The Snickometer system has come under fire during the third Ashes Test match, following a series of controversial calls regarding Alex Carey and Jamie Smith. Australian bowler Mitchell Starc didn't hold back, labeling the technology “the worst ever” after Smith was initially given a reprieve despite replays showing a clear glove movement.

The Snicko debate reignited on Day 2 of the third Ashes Test, prompting Starc's harsh assessment after more questionable decisions. The controversy began on Day 1 with a not-out decision for Alex Carey, who then went on to score his maiden Ashes century. Despite an audible spike on the graph during England's appeal for a caught-behind, TV umpire Chris Gaffaney ruled the sound occurred “before the bat,” judging Carey not out, a decision that proved costly for England.

The controversy deepened on Day 2 when England's wicketkeeper-batter, Jamie Smith, found himself at the center of two key moments that further questioned Snicko's reliability. In the 44th over, a delivery from Pat Cummins appeared to graze Smith's glove before being caught by Usman Khawaja at slip. Khawaja, unsure if the catch was clean, deferred to the umpires, and on-field umpire Nitin Menon referred the decision upstairs. Replays indicated Smith's glove moved as the ball passed, but Snicko didn't register a spike. The third umpire determined the ball missed the glove and deflected off the helmet, leading to Smith being given a reprieve. It was at this point that Starc's frustration reached its peak, with stump microphones capturing his strong words about Snicko.

Ironically, Snicko was involved again just two overs later, this time working against Smith. While attempting a pull shot off Cummins in the 46th over, Smith was caught behind by Carey. Umpire Menon sent the decision upstairs without an on-field ruling, and even though the audio spike seemed to occur a frame after the ball passed the bat, it was considered sufficient evidence to declare Smith out. The Snicko issues trace back to Day 1, when Carey admitted post-play that he heard “a bit of a feather or noise” when the ball passed his bat but chose not to walk, citing the unclear Snicko evidence. Warren Brennan, founder of BBG Sports, later admitted that an incorrect stump mic might have been selected during Carey's review, with the company accepting responsibility for the error.