Mitchell Starc has urged the International Cricket Council to step in and fund a standardised set of umpiring technologies after a series of errors with the Snicko system during the Adelaide Test eroded confidence in the decision review system.
The Australia fast bowler, who was overheard on the stump mic saying Snicko should be “sacked”, said the lack of consistency between providers was causing confusion and frustration. “The officials use it, right, so why doesn’t the ICC pay for it? Why is there not just one across the board?” Starc asked.
England coach Brendon McCullum lodged a complaint after the miscalibrated Snicko system cost them the wicket of Alex Carey on day one. Two more contentious decisions involving Jamie Smith on day two only intensified calls for improvement.
The decision review system is currently dictated by host broadcasters, who choose between BBG and Hawk-Eye’s UltraEdge. BBG, which is providing the technology for the Ashes, apologised for user error after the Carey incident. The Hot Spot system, costing A$10,000 per day, was not used as broadcasters opted against paying.
Australia captain Pat Cummins admitted players lacked full confidence in the system. “Sometimes it doesn’t feel super consistent,” he said, adding that both bowlers and batters were left hoping the technology matched their instincts.
