Ashes Test thriller continues: dismissal of Jamie Smith puts DRS under scrutiny again

SYDNEY: The Decision Review System (DRS) once again came under the spotlight in the Ashes Test series after a contentious Snicko-based ruling led to the dismissal of England batter Jamie Smith on the second day of the third Test on Thursday.

Smith was ruled out caught behind off Australia captain Pat Cummins following an appeal, despite replays showing the Snicko spike appearing only after the ball had passed the bat. The on-field umpire, Nitin Menon, referred the decision to the third umpire, Chris Gaffaney, without giving an initial verdict, and neither team opted to challenge the call through DRS.

After reviewing the footage, Gaffaney determined that the ball had carried cleanly to wicketkeeper Alex Carey and gave Smith out, a decision that immediately drew criticism due to the questionable timing of the Snicko indication.

The incident followed a similar controversy a day earlier involving Carey himself. On Wednesday, the Australian batter survived a caught-behind appeal during his century-making innings when Snicko failed to show a clear spike despite what appeared to be an edge. England reviewed the on-field decision, but the third umpire ruled in Carey’s favour as the detected sound did not coincide with the ball passing the bat.

Adding to the debate, Smith had earlier been involved in another close call on Thursday when he was on 16. A Cummins delivery seemed to brush his gloves or helmet before carrying to slip fielder Usman Khawaja. After a review, the third umpire concluded there was no contact with the glove, though questions remained over whether the catch had been taken cleanly.

Australia expressed frustration over that decision, with fast bowler Mitchell Starc’s remarks picked up by the stump microphone. Criticising the technology, Starc said Snicko had produced inconsistent outcomes across consecutive days.

With disputed calls affecting both teams, the ongoing Ashes Test has reignited debate over the reliability and interpretation of DRS and audio-based technology, keeping the focus firmly on officiating as much as on the cricket itself.