Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has launched a blistering attack on cricket's decision-review technology, demanding the International Cricket Council (ICC) fund and enforce a single, universal system. His call to action follows significant controversy surrounding the Snicko technology during Australia's Ashes-clinching victory in Adelaide.
Adelaide Test Marred by Snicko Controversies
Frustrations over the reliability of Snicko, the audio-based edge-detection tool, dominated the third Ashes Test. The flashpoint came on the first day when operators admitted an error allowed Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey to survive a pivotal caught-behind appeal. Carey, then on 72, went on to score 106, dramatically altering the course of the innings. Australia, who should have been 7-245, powered to a first-innings total of 371.
The drama continued on day two. English batter Jamie Smith first survived a close review involving Snicko, only to be given out caught behind in strikingly similar circumstances just a few overs later. A core challenge with Snicko is that its audio and vision feeds are not always perfectly synchronised, with umpires forced to allow for a slight gap between the two.
The Technology Divide and Starc's Solution
Currently, the ICC approves both Snicko and the alternative UltraEdge system for Test matches. The choice between them, however, rests with the host broadcaster, with Snicko widely understood to be the cheaper option. UltraEdge, developed in 2016 and used in most countries including the Big Bash League, employs Hawk-Eye technology to match sound and is generally viewed by players as more accurate.
While the ICC pays for and uses UltraEdge in global events like World Cups, it does not fund the technology for bilateral series within the World Test Championship. This inconsistency is at the heart of Starc's complaint.
"The officials use it, right? So why doesn't the ICC pay for it?" Starc questioned after Australia's 82-run win. "And why is there not just one across the board? Why don't we use the same technology in all different series? That's going to perhaps create less confusion, less frustration."
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".
Growing Chorus of Criticism
Starc is far from alone in his concerns. Former Australian Test captain Ricky Ponting claimed on commentary that umpires themselves do not trust the Snicko system. England's bowling coach David Saker also publicly raised issues with its consistency.
Australian Cricketers' Association chief executive Paul Marsh labelled the situation "nonsensical", arguing it was flawed for host broadcasters to choose which technology was used in international fixtures.
Australian captain Pat Cummins echoed the sentiment of inconsistency after the Test, noting, "The one here seems a little bit different to sometimes what you get overseas. It sometimes doesn't feel super-consistent."
The growing backlash places significant pressure on the ICC to standardise and centrally fund the Decision Review System, ensuring a level playing field and greater confidence in the game's biggest moments.
