The ongoing Ashes series has faced a significant controversy following key incidents during the second day of play. Alex Carey, the Australian wicketkeeper, was involved in an initial decision that raised eyebrows. While batting on 72, he was given not out after England reviewed a caught-behind decision. The technology malfunctioned, which the operator later admitted was an error.
Key Incidents During Day Two
During the 44th over of England’s innings, when the score was at 149 for 5, Australia appealed for a catch off Steve Smith. The on-field umpires sent the decision to the third umpire, Chris Gaffaney, to analyze whether the ball had carried to Usman Khawaja at slip.
First Review of the Day
- Gaffaney assessed multiple camera angles.
- Initially, it was unclear if the ball hit Smith’s glove or helmet.
- Ultimately, he ruled that the ball struck Smith’s helmet.
This decision left the Australian fielders frustrated, with one player commenting, “Snicko needs to be sacked,” which was caught on the stump microphone.
Contentious Dismissal of Steve Smith
The more contentious moment came soon after, leading to Smith’s dismissal. He attempted a pull shot off Pat Cummins, with Australia appealing for a faint edge.
- Smith confidently believed he did not hit the ball.
- Umpire Nitin Menon forwarded the appeal to Gaffaney after expressing uncertainty.
As the players waited for the verdict, Nathan Lyon queried Ben Stokes about any potential noises. After an initial review, Gaffaney stated, “there is nothing obvious there,” but Snicko revealed a slight spike coinciding with the ball passing Smith’s bat. Consequently, Smith was given out, leading to visible frustration from both him and Stokes.
Conclusion
The controversies surrounding the use of Snicko technology continue to spark debates in the cricketing community. With ongoing discussions about its reliability, the Ashes series remains a focal point of scrutiny regarding technology’s role in decision-making.
