A fresh flashpoint around ball-tracking technology emerged on day two when Mitchell Starc was picked up on the stump mic venting his frustration, declaring that “Snicko needs to be sacked.” The comment followed another disputed moment involving edge-detection systems, adding fuel to an already simmering debate.
In the aftermath, both the ECB and Cricket Australia are expected to press the ICC to reassess its current protocols and technological framework. Central to those discussions will be the long-standing issue of host broadcasters footing the bill for decision-review technology. Starc believes that arrangement is flawed and has called for a more streamlined, centrally managed system.
“It’s frustrating for everyone – viewers, officials, broadcasters, no doubt,” Starc said. “The umpires are the ones using it, so why doesn’t the ICC pay for it? And why isn’t there just one provider across the board? If the same technology was used in every series, it would probably reduce confusion and frustration. That’s all I’ll say on it.”
At present, the ICC has approved two different sound-based edge-detection systems. RTS is used in Australia, while UltraEdge operates in most other parts of the world. During commentary in the third Test, former Australia captain Ricky Ponting was openly critical of RTS, suggesting that umpires “can’t trust” it and implying UltraEdge offers greater reliability.
Australia skipper Pat Cummins struck a more measured tone, though he acknowledged that the systems appear to function differently depending on where the match is played.
“The one here feels a little different to what you get overseas,” Cummins said. “There are always murmurs about it. If you’re bowling, you’re hoping it lines up in your favour. If you’re batting, sometimes you’re double-checking everything even when you feel you haven’t hit it. It doesn’t always feel completely consistent, but you just go with whatever decision the umpire makes.”
Despite UltraEdge being used in the Big Bash League, there is no scope to switch providers once an international series is underway. As a result, RTS will remain in use for the final two Tests in Melbourne and Sydney, ensuring the debate around Snicko and consistency is unlikely to fade any time soon.
