Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has raised serious concerns over the use of DRS technology during the ongoing Ashes series.
Debate and criticism surrounding alleged “errors” in the Decision Review System (DRS) have continued throughout the series. Starc believes intervention from the ICC is necessary to avoid future controversies involving the technology.
Two different technologies have received ICC approval for detecting bat-and-ball contact through audio. Real-Time Snicko (RTS) is used exclusively in Australia, while UltraEdge is used in the rest of the world.
The criticism began after Jamie Smith’s controversial dismissal in the first Test and intensified during the Adelaide Test, which featured several disputed decisions. Both Australia and England have expressed dissatisfaction with the snickometer.
On the first day of the third Test, England were denied a wicket despite Alex Carey being given out, due to an issue with the snickometer. BBG Sports, the company responsible for the technology in Australia, later admitted that the snicko operator had selected the wrong stump microphone during audio processing and accepted full responsibility for the error.
England were later offered some relief when the review was reinstated the following day. However, controversy returned twice on the same day—once frustrating Australia and once England. During the match, stump microphones picked up Starc saying, “The snicko needs to be sacked.”
Australia went on to beat England by 82 runs in the controversy-filled Adelaide Test, sealing the Ashes within just 11 days.
Despite the series win, Starc remains unhappy with repeated technological failures and shared his thoughts on how such issues could be prevented.
“I’m sure it’s frustrating for everyone—fans, officials, broadcasters—there’s no doubt about that,” Starc said. “This is just my opinion, but if officials are using the technology, why doesn’t the ICC cover the cost?”
“Why not have a single provider across all boards? Why don’t we use the same technology in every series? That would probably reduce confusion and frustration.”
Concerns about RTS are not new. During the Adelaide Test, former Australian captain Ricky Ponting also highlighted the issue while commentating for Channel Seven.
“The technology we’re using here isn’t as good as what’s used in other countries,” Ponting said. “Speak to the umpires—they’ll tell you the same thing. They simply don’t trust it enough.”
While UltraEdge is currently being used in Australia’s domestic T20 competition, the Big Bash League, England and Australia will continue using RTS for the remaining two Tests of the Ashes.
The Boxing Day Test begins in Melbourne next Friday, while the fifth and final Test will be played in Sydney, starting on January 4.
