ADELAIDE: The Snicko technology used in the Ashes came under fresh scrutiny during Thursday’s third Test after England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith was controversially dismissed caught behind despite no clear evidence of the ball touching his bat.
A day after Australia’s Alex Carey survived a caught-behind appeal due to an apparent operator error, England found themselves on the wrong end of a similar decision. Smith, on 22, appeared to swing at thin air against a Pat Cummins delivery, but a spike on Snicko suggested a noise as the ball was cleanly taken by Carey.
On-field umpire Nitin Menon referred the decision upstairs, and third umpire Chris Gaffaney ruled Smith out despite inconclusive video replays. The England batter shook his head in disbelief as he walked off, leaving his side 159 for six in reply to Australia’s 371.
Earlier, Smith had benefited from technology when a possible glove-and-helmet deflection was ruled not out, a decision that frustrated Australia and drew sarcastic reactions from Mitchell Starc. The contrasting calls once again fuelled debate over the reliability and interpretation of Snicko in high-stakes Test cricket.
