Snicko Under Fire After 0.02s “Edge” in Smith’s Adelaide Ashes Dismissal
Questions over the reliability of Snickometer technology intensified on day two of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide, as England and Australia voiced frustration following a series of contentious decisions involving Jamie Smith.
England batter Smith was initially given not out when Australia reviewed an apparent edge while he was on 16. Fielders believed the ball had brushed his glove, but Snicko showed no clear spike at the moment the ball passed the bat. Smith signalled that the impact was on his helmet, not the glove, and despite doubts over whether the catch carried cleanly, that was not cited as the deciding factor.
The decision sparked visible anger among the Australian players. Fast bowler Mitchell Starc was heard on the stump microphone criticising the technology, saying Snicko was unreliable and had made repeated mistakes across the Test. Marnus Labuschagne also appeared sceptical during the mandatory concussion check, openly questioning whether Smith had been struck on the helmet at all.
Confusion deepened only minutes later when Smith was dismissed pulling Pat Cummins. Australia again felt certain they had their man, while Smith appeared convinced he had not edged the ball. On field umpire Nitin Menon added to the uncertainty by referring the decision to the third umpire himself after initially declining to give Smith out.
Despite another apparent syncing issue that showed an audio spike one frame before the ball passed the bat, Smith was eventually given out caught behind. His reaction was one of disbelief, while criticism from pundits quickly followed.
Former England spinner Graeme Swann was among the most outspoken, questioning the consistency of decision making and the continued use of Snicko.
“I do not want to sound like a whingeing Pom, but it feels like one rule for one team and one for another,” Swann said on TNT Sport. “Snicko should be scrapped. It is nonsense.”
Loss of confidence in Snickometer
Swann said the events in Adelaide had damaged trust in cricket’s technology.
“It was farcical. Everyone here has lost faith in Snicko,” he said. “You could hear Australian players on the stump mic calling it a joke. Fans in the ground and people watching at home feel the same.
“That is dangerous territory. Third umpires start guessing, trying to work out where the noise came from and when the ball passed the bat.
“Cricket has generally led the way in using technology properly. The DRS has worked well overall. But in this series, it is not working.”
Swann was keen to stress the criticism was not an attempt to deflect from England’s position in the series.
“This is not about England being 2-0 down. Snicko has been a problem in this Test.”
Read More: Carey 115* Lifts Australia as England Fight for Survival Ashes Day 1
Day one Snicko error revisited
The controversy follows a significant error on the opening day involving Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey. On 72, Carey edged the ball but was given not out after a review showed an apparent delay between the sound spike and the ball passing the bat.
That delay was later confirmed to be the result of operator error. Carey went on to score a century, adding 76 runs after the missed decision.
England raised the issue with match referee Jeff Crowe, who restored the team’s lost review, effectively acknowledging the mistake.
BBG Sports, the company responsible for Snickometer, admitted fault and explained that the incorrect stump microphone had been selected, causing the audio and visuals to fall out of sync.
“Given that Alex Carey admitted he hit the ball, the only conclusion is that the incorrect stump mic was used for audio processing,” the company said in a statement.
Your views
George B: Snicko has been poor during this Test, but England’s batting has been the bigger issue. They have not shown the ability to bat time or handle pressure.
Lewsea: There is too much focus on Snicko. England’s batsmen deserve more criticism than the technology.
Steveiwbev0890: The technology is not the real problem. The operators are. Just like VAR, it works when used properly.
Coseley Wolf: Snicko is not the main issue. England’s preparation and overconfidence against a stronger Australian side are bigger factors. Fans who travelled deserved better than this farce.
