alex carey gave a memorable performance on the first day of Third Ashes Test in AdelaideA brilliant counter-attack scored 106 runs to bring the momentum back in Australia’s favor after an early batting collapse. The wicketkeeper’s innings not only revived the hosts but also became the center of a major DRS controversy which was debated for a long time.
Coming up with Australia under pressure, Carey showed composure and intent, combining sharp strokeplay with calculated aggression. His century proved vital in stabilizing the innings and frustrating the England bowlers on a day that was otherwise the visitors’ early innings.
DRS drama overshadowed Alex Carey’s century
England review rejected despite Snicko’s grumblings
However, Carey’s innings was not without controversy. During their innings, England appealed for caught-back out after one ball passion tonguewith the wicketkeeper jamie smith It was also convinced that there was an edge. On-field umpire Ahsan Raza turned down the appeal, following which England had to opt for a review.
While Snikow showed a slight whiff, the third umpire ruled that the ball had not passed close enough to the bat to confirm an edge. As a result, Carey was relieved – a decision which clearly left England disappointed.
controversy in #ash Human error with Snicko saved Alex Carey… and his century pic.twitter.com/VXxqmNPb6N
– Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) 17 December 2025
Alex Carey admitted that he hit the ball
The debate intensified following 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 feather or some kind of noise as it passed the bat.” Carrie said. “If I had been given out, I think I would have reviewed it. Although perhaps not confidently. It was a good sound as it went across the bat.”
Carey’s candid admission sparked discussion about the accuracy and reliability of the decision review system in high-stakes Test matches.
BBG Sports accepts responsibility for Snicko’s mistake
Technology provider BBG Sports, which operates the Snickometer system, later admitted that human error was responsible for the wrong decision. In a statement issued to BBC Sport, the company said that the wrong stump microphone was selected during audio processing.
“Given that Alex Carey admitted that he had hit the ball, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the snicko operator at the time had selected the wrong stump mic,” Read the statement. “In light of this, BBG Sports takes full responsibility for the error.”
The microphone used was reportedly from the non-striker, leading to misinterpretation of the audio.
DRS protocol being investigated in WTC match
Host supplies broadcaster review technology
This incident has once again put the DRS protocol under the microscope, especially World Test Championship (WTC) Matches where system is mandatory. For the Adelaide Test, as per ICC rules, review technology was provided by the host broadcaster, Fox Cricket.
Although the error did not violate the playing conditions, it raised concerns about operational scrutiny and the potential for error at key moments of specific cricket.
See also: Jack Crawley takes a one-handed blinder to dismiss Travis Head on the first day of the Adelaide Test