Mitchell Starc Wants to Know Why ICC Doesn’t Pay for DRS Following Snicko Drama in Ashes

In addition to Mitchell Starc, Ricky Ponting criticized Snicko’s reliability, demanding that cricket officials switch to the superior UltraEdge system.

Mitchell Starc Wants to Know Why ICC Doesn’t Pay for DRS Following Snicko Drama in Ashes

Mitchell Starc called out the ICC for uniformity on DRS technology, amidst Snicko controversy. (via India TV News)

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The third Test of the 2025-26 Ashes between Australia and England was marked by the inconsistencies in the ‘Snickometer’ technology. Amidst the controversy, Aussie pacer Mitchell Starc put forward a bold question about why the ICC does not pay for DRS worldwide. 

Both Australia and England suffered various instances of frustration, due to errors made by the Snicko technology, throughout the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval. The home side did manage to win the game in the end and secure a 3-0 series victory over their opponents. Alex Carey won the POTM award, as he scored a ton in the first innings, and followed it up with a 72-run knock in the second innings.

However, Carey received a rare lifeline in the first innings of the Adelaide Test, after being deemed not out due to a Real-Time Snickometer (RTS) error. The 34-year-old, batting on 72, had visibly edged a delivery from Josh Tongue to keeper Jamie Smith, but survived as Snicko surprisingly showed no spike while the ball brushed past the bat. Later on, BBG Sports, the operators of Snicko, conceded to have made an error in choosing the stump-mic.

The technology came into question again on the second day of play, after Jamie Smith was dismissed in a similar scenario. In a confusing DRS sequence, Snicko displayed a spike only in the frame after the ball had clearly passed the 25-year-old’s bat, yet the umpire declared him out. It has triggered a wave of frustration, with players from both teams and pundits openly criticizing the flawed technology.

Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc was first to highlight his frustration, and was overhead on the stump mic saying that the Snicko should be ‘sacked’. At the end of the match, Starc called out the International Cricket Council (ICC) and demanded uniformity over DRS. He suggested that ICC cover the costs of the technology, given umpires are one using it. Starc even stressed on the need for a single DRS provider in all countries, to reduce the frustration within viewers and broadcasters. 

One thing I will say I’m only going to speak for myself here, the officials use it, right? So why doesn’t the ICC pay for it? And why is it not just one [provider] across the board? Why don’t we use the same technology in all different series?

Mitchell Starc on Snicko controversy (H/T India Today)

The ICC is expected to take up the matter, with ECB and CA planning to lobby for a change in protocols and rules. Currently, ICC permits two distinct forms of sound-based edge detection, the ‘Snicko’ system, which is utilized exclusively in Australia, and ‘UltraEdge’, standard across the rest of the world.

Mitchell Starc confirms Nathan Lyon’s injury and supports recovery path

Australian pacer Mitchell Starc confirmed the seriousness of teammate Nathan Lyon’s injury, after winning the first three Tests of the ongoing 2025-26 Ashes against England. Lyon suffered a hamstring injury, and is expected to remain out of action for some time.

Mitchell Starc on Nathan Lyon injury
Mitchell Starc talked about Nathan Lyon’s injury, following Adelaide Test. (via NDTV Sports)

Nathan Lyon injured himself on the final day of the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, while fielding at fine-leg to stop a boundary. He appeared to have torn his hamstring, and struggled to get back on his feet while he was being walked out of the ground. The 38-year-old, who picked up five wickets in both the innings, was seen in crutches during the post-match celebrations, before being taken to the hospital for scans. 

Speaking after the match, Mitchell Starc confirmed the details of the injury his teammate had suffered, while noting how unfortunate it was for the entire team as well as for Nathan Lyon. He shed light on Lyon’s contributions, while adding that the spinner should enjoy the moment. Starc suggested the 38-year-old go through an intense rehabilitation, and hoped for the bowler to return to action soon.

Really unfortunate for him. I’m sure it’s a tough one to take… He’s sort of more on board with the fast bowlers in terms of what rehab takes. Hopefully it’s not a huge layoff. Hopefully he’s back sooner than later.

Mitchell Starc on Nathan Lyon’s injury (H/T ESPN Cricinfo)

With Nathan Lyon sidelined, Australia must find a replacement spinner for the Melbourne and Sydney Tests. Since the initial 15-man squad featured no backup slow bowlers, selectors are expected to look towards Todd Murphy, Matthew Kuhnemann and leg-spinner Mitchell Swepson.

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