Fox Sports and Channel 7 pay a combined $1.5 billion to broadcast the cricket in Australia – including the Ashes. Yet somehow they’re also asked by the ICC (International Cricket Council) to stump up for the technology used in the decision review system.
‘Snicko’ was a huge talking point in the third Ashes Test, with Australia and England both believing they were robbed on different occasions. Alex Carey went on to make 106 after edging the ball behind on 72, only for Snicko to show a spike at the wrong time due to an operator error.
Australia and England both thought they were robbed during the third Ashes Test. (Photo by Robbie Stephenson/PA Images via Getty Images)
Jamie Smith then received a lucky let-off the next day when the Aussies were certain the ball hit his glove before cannoning into his helmet and straight to Usman Khawaja. On each occasion, Snicko either showed no spike or one at the wrong time.
The crux of the issue lies in the fact that Australia and New Zealand still use Snicko, even though everywhere else like England upgraded to UltraEdge nearly 10 years ago. Produced by Hawkeye Technologies, UltraEdge is far more accurate but believed to be more expensive.
Rather than the ICC or home cricket boards (like Cricket Australia) paying for the technology, it’s up to the TV broadcasters. Fox have continued to use the cheaper Snicko, which shouldn’t be a surprise considering they pay through the nose for the broadcast rights.
It’s part of the reason that ‘HotSpot’ isn’t used anymore, as the infrared technology was extremely expensive for the broadcasters to run. Channel 7 uses UltraEdge in the BBL, but Fox opts for Snicko in the Tests.
Mitchell Starc calls for ICC to step in
Speaking on Monday, Mitchell Starc called for the ICC to take control of the whole process and make it consistent across the board. The ICC pays for and uses UltraEdge at World Cups and global tournaments, but not for bilateral series.
“Why doesn’t the ICC pay for it?” Starc asked on Monday. “And why is there not just one across the board? Why don’t we use the same technology in all different series? That’s going to perhaps create less confusion, less frustration. I’m sure it’s frustrating for everyone. Viewers, officials, broadcasters.”
Mitchell Starc and the Aussies thought they were wrongly denied Jamie Smith’s wicket. Image: Getty
After the Smith incident, Starc was overheard on stump mics saying Snicko “should be sacked”. It’s understood there have been discussions about switching to UltraEdge mid-series, but it won’t happen.
During the Adelaide Test, Ricky Ponting declared that umpires don’t trust Snicko, while Australian Cricketers’ Association chief Paul Marsh told AAP it was “nonsensical” that broadcasters have to pay and have the option to choose. At one stage, England bowling coach David Saker said they were considering whether to make an official complaint.