Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has launched a forceful appeal to the International Cricket Council (ICC), demanding it funds and implements a universal decision review system for all international cricket.
Adelaide Test Marred by Technology Controversy
Starc's call follows significant frustration over the reliability of the Snickometer technology during Australia's Ashes victory in Adelaide. The controversy centred on an admission from Snicko's operators that an error allowed Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey to survive a crucial caught behind appeal on the first day.
Carey, then on 72, went on to score 106. This reprieve proved pivotal, as Australia, who should have been 7-245, rallied to post a first-innings total of 371.
The drama continued on day two when England's Jamie Smith first survived a close review involving Snicko, only to be given out caught behind in remarkably similar circumstances just a few overs later. A core issue with Snicko is that its audio and vision feeds are not always perfectly synchronised, with umpires forced to allow for a small gap.
The Cost and Consistency Debate
Currently, the ICC approves both Snicko and the alternative UltraEdge for use in Test matches. However, the host broadcaster chooses which system to deploy, with Snicko understood to be the cheaper option. UltraEdge, developed in 2016 and used in most countries including the Big Bash League, is generally viewed as more accurate, using Hawk-Eye technology to match sound precisely.
The ICC pays for and uses UltraEdge in global tournaments like World Cups, but not for bilateral series within the World Test Championship. This inconsistency prompted Starc's post-match critique following Australia's 82-run win.
"The officials use it, right? So why doesn't the ICC pay for it?" Starc queried. "And why is there not just one across the board? Why don't we use the same technology in all the different series? That's going to perhaps create less confusion, less frustration. I'm sure it's frustrating for everyone. Viewers, officials, broadcasters."
Widespread Criticism of Current System
Starc's comments came after he was heard near the stump microphone during the Smith incident, calling for Snicko to be 'sacked' and labelling it the 'worst technology'. His view found support from several quarters.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting suggested on commentary that umpires themselves lacked trust in the system, while England's bowling coach David Saker also voiced concerns. Australian Cricketers' Association chief executive Paul Marsh labelled the broadcaster's choice of technology as 'nonsensical'.
Australia's captain, Pat Cummins, added to the criticism, noting inconsistencies. "The one here seems a little bit different to sometimes what you get overseas," Cummins said. "It sometimes doesn't feel super-consistent. But you just crack on - whatever the umpire says."
The Adelaide Test has intensified the debate over standardising and centrally funding the Decision Review System, putting pressure on the ICC to address what players see as a fundamental flaw in the game's governance.
