England Fumes Over Review Technology Fail as Carey Survives Appeal

During the opening day of the third Ashes Test on December 17, 2023, at Adelaide Oval, England’s cricket team expressed frustration after Australia’s Alex Carey survived a caught-behind appeal due to a failure in review technology. The incident occurred when Carey, batting on 72, appeared to nick a delivery from Josh Tongue, yet the technology used to review the decision did not confirm the dismissal. This error allowed Carey to continue his innings, ultimately scoring 106 runs and marking his first Ashes century.

Technology Error Sparks Controversy

As the day unfolded, England’s players were left incredulous when the decision review system (DRS) failed to detect what many believed was an obvious edge off Carey’s bat. After England’s appeal was turned down, the team opted to use the decision review system. The “Snicko” technology, operated by BBG Sports, registered a sound but failed to accurately match it with the ball’s flight path, resulting in the original decision being upheld.

“Given that Alex Carey admitted he had hit the ball in question, 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,”

BBG Sports stated, taking full responsibility for the mishap.

Following the controversial decision, Carey added another 34 runs to contribute to Australia’s total of 326 for eight at stumps. The hosts had won the toss and opted to bat first.

England’s Response to Technology Issues

England’s bowling coach, David Saker, voiced his team’s discontent with the technology, suggesting that this was not the first instance of malfunction during the series. “The boys are pretty confident he hit it. I think the calibration of the ‘Snicko’ is out,” Saker commented, emphasizing the importance of the decision in the context of the match. “Those things hurt. You’d think in this day and age the technology’s good enough to pick things up like that.”

Saker also indicated that England may address these technology concerns with match officials, stating, “After today, that may go a bit further.” The coach expressed disappointment, asserting, “It should be better than that. It is what it is.”

Despite the contentious decision, Carey celebrated his achievement in front of a supportive home crowd. Reflecting on the caught-behind appeal, he mentioned that he might have considered reviewing the decision himself if given out, but added that he would not have done so with complete confidence. “Well, Snicko obviously didn’t line up, did it?” he remarked to reporters, denying any intentions of walking off the pitch.

This incident marks a significant moment in Carey’s career, especially considering his previous role in a controversial run-out during the 2023 Ashes series against England. The incident had ignited a debate about the “spirit of cricket,” which had left a lasting impression on his reputation among England fans. Nevertheless, on this day in Adelaide, the local crowd embraced Carey, chanting his name and giving him a standing ovation upon reaching his century.

“You’re not always going to be liked. Sometimes it depends which side of the fence you’re on,” Carey noted, reflecting on his dual status as both hero and villain in the cricketing narrative.