Snicko company admits error as Alex Carey survives dismissal en route to century in third Ashes Test
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Updated 17/12/2025 at 15:39 GMT
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After Alex Carey admitted he hit the ball but avoided dismissal after being caught behind, the company in charge of the Snicko technology at the Ashes admitted the technology may have got the decision wrong. Carey went on to score 106 in Adelaide as the hosts closed on 326-8 on day one of the third Test. Mitchell Starc and Nathan Lyon will be at the crease at the resumption of play.
'Where's the noise coming from?' - Snicko confusion debated as Carey survives
Video credit: TNT Sports
The company in charge of the snickometer technology - also known as Snicko - used in cricket has admitted they may have used the wrong mic during day one of the third NRMA Insurance men's Ashes Test, leading to Alex Carey avoiding a dismissal.
After the batter, who went on to score 106 for the hosts in Adelaide, admitted he may have hit the ball when caught behind on 72, the company said they take "full responsibility" for the mistake.
"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 told BBC Sport.
"In light of this, BBG Sports takes full responsibility for the error."
Local boy Carey - who went on to be the star of the first day with a big century on his home ground - was asked about the incident during his post-match press conference.
Australia were 245-6 when Carey swiped at Josh Tongue’s delivery on its way into the gloves of wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.
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Highlights: England star in the field but Carey century gives Australia hope on Day One
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On-field umpire Ahsan Raza rejected England’s appeal, with captain Ben Stokes immediately reviewing the decision.
"I thought there was a feather or some sort of noise when it passed the bat," Carey said at the end of the day’s play.
A large spike was shown to indicate sound on the Snicko technology, but the pictures showed the ball to be away from the bat when the sound occurred.
On this evidence, TV umpire Chris Gaffaney turned away England’s review and Carey survived - only for BBG Sports to acknowledge that it was a mistake.
"If I was given out I think I would have reviewed it, probably not confidently. It was a nice sound as it passed the bat," Carey said.
"Snicko obviously didn't line up. It is just the way cricket goes - sometimes you have a bit of luck.
"Maybe it went my way."
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'We haven't really panicked' - England bowling coach Saker on improved performance
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Even though Carey thought he made contact with the ball, he chose not to leave the field without waiting for a decision to be made.
Asked if he is a ‘walker’, Carey said "clearly not" to reporters in Adelaide.
Had the correct decision been made, it would have made a good day for England even better, and that has frustrated the tourists.
Asked if they plan to complain about the incident, England bowling consultant David Saker said: "I don't think we've done anything about it so far but after today, maybe that might go a bit further.
"There have been concerns about it for the whole series. We shouldn't be talking about this after a day's play, it should just be better than that. It is what it is."
Australia will resume on 326-8 on day two, with Mitchell Starc (33) and Nathan Lyon (0) at the crease.
Carey cautious of 'quality' England attack
Despite making a century on day one, Alex Carey has warned his teammates they need to be wary of England's bowling attack as the series continues.
Jofra Archer was the pick of England’s bowlers on the first day in Adelaide, with three wickets taken at an economical rate - allowing just 29 runs from his 16 overs.
Brydon Carse and Will Jacks took two apiece, with Tongue taking the other - although he will be furious that he was denied a second.
Speaking of Archer's impact, Carey said: "We know Jofra’s a really good bowler. I think his figures today probably showed that. He was really economical and took three big wickets.
"It’s a quality attack and we know what they’re capable of and I guess to navigate through different scenarios throughout the day was good but it would have been nice to have been a few wickets less falling."
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'Jacks has his man' - Carey finally goes as England claim eighth day one wicket
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Although Jacks dismissed Carey and Khawaja, he also conceded 105 runs.
Carey denied he was targeting Jacks and said: "It was probably just play the conditions as you see it. The quicks rotated through one end and kept it pretty tight at times and rotated through plans.
"He [Jacks] also bowled some really good balls that we saw spin and bounce. I don’t go into a contest thinking I’ll target someone. You just adapt on the fly, some opportunities presented today."
Carey was given a hero's reception at his home ground after securing his century.
It was a vastly different Ashes experience for the wicket-keeper-batter, who was booed by England fans in the 2023 series after his controversial stumping of Jonny Bairstow.
"I love playing cricket and understand what comes with playing professional sport," he said.
"You’re not always going to be liked and, at times, depends which side of the fence you sit on - there’s heroes and villains. All part of the learnings and part of the game."
Watch every ball of the 2025-26 Ashes series on TNT Sports and discovery+
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