Ashes 2025: What is Snicko? Why is it used in Australia? Why is it controversial?

At virtually the halfway point of this Ashes series, there have been several controversial incidents involving Snicko.

The biggest controversy came when keeper-batter Carey was adjudged not out on review during the first day of the third Test in Adelaide.

Carey later admitted he edged the delivery, but survived because the Snicko technology showed a discrepancy between the sound and pictures of the edge.

Snicko used the sound captured by the stump microphone at the non-striker’s end, rather than the striker’s end.

BBG, the company that provides Snicko, has admitted responsibility for the error.

On day two, Australia’s fielders could be heard saying “this could be anything” and “just review everything” in relation to Snicko decisions.

Another fielder said “Snicko needs to be sacked” and was caught on the stump microphone.

England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith was controversially dismissed on day two in the second Test in Brisbane following a questionable Snicko review for being caught behind.

Smith was also controversially dismissed in the first Test in a similar incident, with Snicko showing a spike after the ball went past his bat.

In the same Test, a similar incident happened involving Australia batter Marnus Labuschagne, although he was not given out due a lack of “conclusive evidence.”