The third Ashes Test has been overshadowed by fresh controversy surrounding cricket’s Decision Review System (DRS), with players and coaches from both sides expressing frustration over a series of debatable calls.
The technology, particularly the Snickometer audio component, faced intense scrutiny for the second consecutive day. The flashpoint came during the dismissal of England batter Jamie Smith, which followed a pattern of confusion from the match’s opening day. Replays showed an audio spike as the ball passed the bat, but debate raged over whether it was correctly synchronized with the video frames. The tension was palpable on the field, with Australia’s Mitchell Starc heard over the stump microphone making a blunt call for the technology to be removed.
England’s batting coach, Marcus Trescothick, addressed the situation at stumps, calling the repeated incidents “not ideal.” He acknowledged his team had been on the wrong end of several questionable decisions but stressed the need for players to trust the officiating process. Regarding Smith’s dismissal, Trescothick noted there was “enough chat on the field” about the timing of the Snicko evidence, though he declined to delve into specifics.
On the field, England’s pursuit of Australia’s first-innings total of 371 was a struggle, closing the day at 213 for eight. Captain Ben Stokes provided stubborn resistance, battling through severe cramp in blistering 37-degree heat. Trescothick revealed Stokes had difficulty staying hydrated due to the extreme conditions, which left him feeling unwell, yet the captain’s determination kept England fighting.
When asked if the top order had failed to match their leader’s grit, the batting coach defended his players. He credited the Australian bowling attack for making scoring difficult and argued that success is not guaranteed, suggesting his side simply hadn’t found their rhythm at the right moments in this contest.
The repeated DRS controversies have shifted focus from the on-field battle, raising significant questions about the consistency and operation of the review technology at the highest level of the sport.