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Alex Carey delivered a memorable performance on Day 1 of the 3rd Ashes Test in Adelaide, scoring a brilliant counter-attacking 106 to swing momentum back in Australia’s favour after an early batting collapse. The wicketkeeper’s innings not only revived the hosts but also became the centre of a major DRS controversy that sparked debate late into the day.
Coming in with Australia under pressure, Carey showed composure and intent, combining sharp strokeplay with calculated aggression. His century proved pivotal in stabilising the innings and frustrating England’s bowlers on a day that otherwise belonged to the visitors early on.
DRS drama overshadows Alex Carey’s century
England review denied despite Snicko murmur
Carey’s knock, however, was not without controversy. During his innings, England appealed for a caught-behind dismissal after a delivery from Josh Tongue, with wicketkeeper Jamie Smith also convinced there was an edge. On-field umpire Ahsan Raza turned down the appeal, prompting England to opt for a review.
While Snicko showed a faint sound, the third umpire ruled that the ball had not passed close enough to the bat to confirm an edge. As a result, Carey was given a reprieve – a decision that left England visibly frustrated.
Controversy in #TheAshes as human error with Snicko saves Alex Carey… and his century 👀 pic.twitter.com/VXxqmNPb6N
— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 17, 2025
Alex Carey admits he hit the ball
The debate intensified after Carey’s post-day press conference, where the Australian admitted that he had indeed made contact with the ball on the disputed delivery.
“I thought there was a bit of a feather or some sort of noise when it passed the bat,” Carey said. “If I was given out, I think I would have reviewed it. Probably not confidently though. It was a nice sound as it went past the bat.”
Carey’s candid admission added fuel to discussions around the accuracy and reliability of the Decision Review System in high-stakes Test matches.
BBG Sports accept responsibility for Snicko error
Technology provider BBG Sports, which operates the Snickometer system, later acknowledged that a human error was responsible for the incorrect decision. In a statement issued to BBC Sport, the company explained that the wrong stump microphone had been selected during audio processing.
“Given that Alex Carey admitted he had hit the ball in question, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the Snicko operator at the time selected the incorrect stump mic,” the statement read. “In light of this, BBG Sports takes full responsibility for the error.”
The microphone used was reportedly from the non-striker’s end, leading to inaccurate audio interpretation.
DRS protocols under scrutiny in WTC match
Host broadcaster supplies review technology
The incident has once again brought DRS protocols under the microscope, particularly in World Test Championship (WTC) matches where the system is mandatory. For the Adelaide Test, the review technology was supplied by the host broadcaster, Fox Cricket, as per ICC regulations.
While the error did not violate playing conditions, it raised concerns about operational checks and the margin for error in crucial moments of elite cricket.
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Disclaimer : This story is auto aggregated by a computer programme and has not been created or edited by DOWNTHENEWS. Publisher: crickettimes.com
