Alex Carey The performance on the first day was unforgettable Adelaide third Ashes Testscored a brilliant 106 in a counter-attack that saw Australia regain momentum in their favor after an early batting failure. The wicketkeeper’s innings not only rejuvenated the hosts, but also became the center of a major controversy at DRS and sparked debate later in the day.

With Australia under pressure, Carey showed composure and focus, combining sharp batting with calculated aggression. His century proved to be crucial in stabilizing the innings and frustrating the England bowlers on a day that would have belonged to the visiting team.

DRS drama casts shadow over Alex Carey’s century

England review rejected despite Snico complaints

Carey’s knock was not without controversy, however. During his innings, England appealed for dismissal after a catch. josh tonguewith goalie Jamie Smith Also convinced there are advantages. On-field umpire Ahsan Raza rejected the appeal, prompting England to opt for a review.

Although Snicko made a weak call, the third umpire ruled that the ball was not close enough to the bat to confirm the advantage. As a result, Carey was given a reprieve – a decision that left England visibly frustrated.

The controversy lies in #Ashesborn Snicko’s human error saves Alex Carey…and his century 👀 pic.twitter.com/VXxqmNPb6N

— Cricket on TNT Sports (@cricketontnt) December 17, 2025

Alex Carey admits he hit the ball

The controversy intensified after Carey admitted in his postgame press conference that he did touch the ball on the contested pass.

“I thought there was a little feather or some kind of noise when it went past the bat,” Carey said. “If I got dropped, I think I’d review it. Probably a little less confident though. It’s a good sound when it goes through the bat.”

Carey’s candid admission has fueled discussions about the accuracy and reliability of decision-review systems in high-stakes Test matches.

BBG Sports takes responsibility for Snicko errors

BBG Sports, the technology provider that operates the Snickometer system, later admitted that human error led to the wrong decision. In a statement to BBC Sport, the company explained that the wrong stump microphone was selected during audio processing.

“Given Alex Carey’s admission that he hit the ball in question, the only conclusion that can be drawn is that the Snicko operator selected the wrong stump mic at the time,” the statement read. “In light of this, BBG Sports takes full responsibility for this error.”

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The microphone used was reportedly from the non-batsman’s end, resulting in inaccurate audio interpretation.

DRS protocol under intense scrutiny at WTC competition

Anchor provides review technology

The incident once again puts the DRS protocol under the microscope, especially when World Test Championship (WTC) Where the matching system is enforced. For the Adelaide Test, in compliance with ICC regulations, moderation technology is provided by host broadcaster Fox Cricket.

While the error did not breach playing conditions, it raised concerns about the margin of error in handling checks and key moments in elite cricket.

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