Adelaide: BBG Sports, the company responsible for supplying Snicko technology used in cricket’s decision review system, has formally accepted responsibility for an error that occurred during the opening day of the third Ashes Test in Adelaide between Australia and England.
The technical issue played a key role in a controversial decision that allowed Alex Carey to continue batting and go on to score a crucial century for Australia.
How the Controversy Unfolded
Carey was batting on 72 runs when he attempted a cut shot off England pacer Josh Tongue during the 63rd over. The ball appeared to brush the bat before being caught cleanly by wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
England players immediately appealed, but on-field umpire Ahsan Raza ruled the batter not out. England captain Ben Stokes opted for a review.
While Real-Time Snickometer showed a noticeable spike, the audio did not align with the video feed. The spike appeared several frames before the ball passed the bat, leading third umpire Chris Gaffaney to conclude that the noise occurred “before the bat” and that the ball had “gone well under” it.
As a result, the original not-out decision stood.
Carey Later Admits Contact
After reaching his maiden Ashes century, Carey admitted post-match that he had indeed felt contact with the ball.
“I felt a feather. Snicko obviously didn’t line up, did it,” Carey said.
“That’s just the way cricket goes sometimes—you have a bit of luck, and maybe it went my way today.”
BBG Sports Takes Full Responsibility
BBG Sports founder Warren Brennan later addressed the issue in an interview with The Age, confirming a technical mistake during the review process.
“Given that Alex Carey admitted he had hit the ball in question, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the Snicko operator must have selected the incorrect stump microphone for audio processing,” Brennan said.
“In light of this, BBG Sports takes full responsibility for the error.”
The admission has reignited debate over the reliability of DRS technology in high-stakes Test matches.
Australia Recover After Early Pressure
Despite England’s disciplined bowling on a scorching opening day at Adelaide Oval, Australia recovered strongly. Carey’s 106—his first Ashes hundred on home soil—proved pivotal, while Usman Khawaja added a composed 82.
Australia closed Day 1 on 326 for eight, with Mitchell Starc unbeaten on 33 and Nathan Lyon providing stubborn resistance at the tail.
