### Snicko Controversy: A Technology Under Fire During the Ashes Series The ongoing Ashes series has been marred by significant controversy surrounding the Snickometer (Snicko) technology, which is used for detecting edges in cricket. The third Test at Adelaide Oval has seen multiple contentious decisions that have raised questions about the reliability of this technology. Notably, Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey was incorrectly given not out due to a Snicko error, leading to widespread criticism from players and officials alike. This incident has reignited debates about the effectiveness and consistency of decision review technology in cricket, with Australian pacer Mitchell Starc calling for Snicko to be scrapped entirely [https://www.sportsyaari.com/cricket/icc-must-pay-for-it-mitchell-starc-reignites-snicko-debate-after-ashes-controversy-11979]. ### Breakdown of the Snicko Controversy 1. **Initial Incident**: - On the first day of the third Test, Alex Carey was reprieved after a Snicko review indicated no contact with the bat, despite visible evidence suggesting otherwise. This led to an operator error being acknowledged by the technology's suppliers [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3734146-controversy-over-snicko-technology-in-ashes-series-intensifies]. 2. **Subsequent Controversy**: - The following day, Jamie Smith was controversially given out caught behind, despite replays showing no clear contact between bat and ball. The Snicko technology indicated a spike, which led to the third umpire upholding the on-field decision [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/jamie-smith-snicko-controversy-england-australia-ashes-b2886763.html]. 3. **Reactions from Players and Officials**: - Mitchell Starc expressed his frustration, stating that Snicko "needs to be sacked" due to its unreliability. England's captain Ben Stokes also voiced his displeasure, highlighting the inconsistency in decision-making that has plagued the series [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/ashes_2025_26_snicko_needs_to_be_sacked_aussies_rages_after_another_error_with_technology/s1_17728_43220513]. 4. **Calls for Review**: - Following these incidents, Cricket Australia’s chief executive criticized the technology, calling the errors "not good enough." The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) is reportedly planning to lobby the ICC for a review of the protocols surrounding the use of Snicko [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/cricket/news/cricket-australia-boss-slams-technology-howler-ashes-test-4061291]. ### Evidence Supporting the Claims - **Error Acknowledgment**: The Snicko operators admitted to an error that led to Carey's reprieve, which was a significant factor in the controversy [https://www.devdiscourse.com/article/sports-games/3734146-controversy-over-snicko-technology-in-ashes-series-intensifies]. - **Player Reactions**: Starc's demand for Snicko's removal and Stokes' visible frustration underscore the impact of these decisions on player morale and the integrity of the game [https://www.yardbarker.com/cricket/articles/fresh_snicko_controversy_erupts_in_ashes_as_ben_stokes_rages_over_jamie_smith_dismissal/s1_17729_43220709]. - **Official Criticism**: Todd Greenberg's public condemnation of the technology's failure highlights the seriousness of the situation and the need for accountability in cricket's decision-making processes [https://www.thedailystar.net/sports/cricket/news/cricket-australia-boss-slams-technology-howler-ashes-test-4061291]. ### Conclusion: The Need for Reliable Technology in Cricket The Snicko controversy during the Ashes series has revealed significant flaws in the technology used for decision-making in cricket. The following points summarize the key findings: 1. **Multiple Errors**: The Snicko technology has been involved in at least two major errors during the third Test, leading to incorrect decisions that have affected the game's outcome. 2. **Player Frustration**: Both Australian and English players have expressed their dissatisfaction with the technology, calling for its review or removal. 3. **Official Accountability**: Cricket Australia and the ECB are seeking answers and potential reforms to ensure that such errors do not occur in the future. **In conclusion, the reliability of Snicko technology is under serious scrutiny, and its future in cricket may depend on the outcomes of ongoing discussions among cricketing authorities** [https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/cricket/jamie-smith-snicko-controversy-england-australia-ashes-b2886763.html].