Snicko Company Confirms Operator Error in Alex Carey Caught-Behind Decision During Adelaide Test

Alex Carey led Australia's counter-attack in Adelaide, rescuing the hosts after they lost several quick wickets during the opening session on Day 1.

Snicko Company Confirms Operator Error in Alex Carey Caught-Behind Decision During Adelaide Test

Alex Carey was erratically declared not out in Adelaide Test, owing to Snicko error. (via NDTV Sports)

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In a bizarre turn of events on the first day of the third Ashes Test, Alex Carey received a lifeline on his way to his third hundred in the longest format. Carey was wrongfully given not out, after a ‘Snickometer’ error showed no spike, despite the Australian batter having edged it. 

Alex Carey played a massive role in lifting Australia on Day 1, after the team was struggling at 94/4 in the 25th over of the first innings. The 34-year-old wicket-keeper batter played a masterful 106-run knock off 143 balls to take his side to a total of 326/8. His innings comprised eight fours and a six, while he forged a crucial 91-run fifth-wicket partnership with Usman Khawaja, and a 59-run stand with Josh Inglis.

However, Carey’s innings had nearly ended while he was batting on 72, after he was caught behind by England wicket-keeper Jamie Smith. Off the first ball of the 64th over of Australia’s innings, Josh Tongue bowled a sharp length ball well outside the off stump, nicking past the left-hander’s bat. It was evident that there might have been an under-edge, with the ball landing straight in Smith’s hands. England made a loud appeal, but on-field umpire Ahsan Raza declared Carey not out. 

The Three Lions opted for DRS review to appeal against Raza’s umpire’s decision. As it unfolded, the Snickometer surprisingly showed that there was no spike while the ball went past Alex Carey’s bat. Instead, there was a huge spike on the meter when the ball was nowhere close to the bat, resulting in TV umpire Chris Gaffaney, without much doubt, advising Ahsan Raza to stick to his original decision.

It later came to light that the Snickometer had, in fact, made an error, with its owner, BBG Sports, taking full responsibility. Once Carey confirmed that even he had heard a faint sound while the ball went past his bat, BBG confirmed the error was made by the Snicko operator.

They concluded that the operator might have selected the incorrect mic for the review, choosing the stump mic on the non-striker’s end, rather than the striker’s end. BBG Sports said in a statement to the BBC:

The only conclusion that can be drawn from this, is that the Snicko operator at the time must have selected the incorrect stump mic for audio processing. In light of this, BBG Sports takes full responsibility for the error.

Either way, the Three Lions went on to be the losers, as bowling coach David Saker highlighted, as they were confident of having dismissed Alex Carey. Interestingly, it is not the first time Snicko has been at the centre of controversy in the Ashes, with a similar incident occurring in the Perth Test. 

Steve Smith’s absence explained: What kept the Australian vice-captain out of the XI for Adelaide Test?

Australian ace batter Steve Smith was ruled out of the ongoing third Ashes Test in Adelaide, only on the morning of the match. The 36-year-old complained of vertigo-like symptoms while training ahead of the start of the first day’s play, triggering a late reshuffle in the playing XI. 

Steve Smith Adelaide Test
Steve Smith was ruled out of the Adelaide Test due to a vestibular issue. (via CA.com)

Cricket Australia confirmed that Smith had been facing physical issues while training, including dizziness and nausea. It was also revealed that the veteran batter underwent a fitness Test in the morning of the third Test, but was forced to depart the ground for further medical assessment. Smith had also missed a day’s training earlier this week, before returning to the nets, where he did not look in great shape.

His exclusion from the playing XI was formally announced by Australian skipper Pat Cummins, who was himself making his return from a long-injury absence. A Cricket Australia spokesperson informed that Steve Smith is being treated for a possible vestibular issue, while also confirming that the 36-year-old veteran would be available to play in the Boxing Day Test in Melbourne. 

Replacing Steve Smith, Australia went on to pick Usman Khawaja at number four, with the left-hander making a considerable impact with a much-needed 82-run knock off 126 deliveries. Meanwhile, Smith has scored 103 runs in the four innings that he has played in so far.

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