Discussions are underway regarding a potential change to the Decision Review System (DRS) technology for the remainder of the Ashes series. Following a series of contentious decisions in the ongoing Test match, officials from both England and Australia are exploring the option of replacing the currently used ‘Snicko’ system with an alternative known as ‘UltraEdge’ for the upcoming Boxing Day Test in Melbourne.
The responsibility for DRS technology in bilateral series falls to the host nation’s board, which typically delegates the operation to the primary broadcast rights holder. In this instance, that is Fox Sports, which has employed the Snicko system operated by BBG Sports. However, an alternative is available through the host broadcaster’s free-to-air partner, which holds a separate contract for the Hawk-Eye Innovations UltraEdge system.
The debate has been fueled by several high-profile incidents during the first two days of play. Players from both sides have expressed visible frustration with the Snicko technology. One such moment involved a disputed catch, where audio evidence presented to the third umpire appeared misaligned with the visual footage, leading to an overturned decision. A separate incident on the opening day saw a batter reprieved after an operator error generated an unreliable sound wave.
The availability of the UltraEdge system in Australia, where it is used in domestic competitions, has opened the door for a mid-series switch. Any change would require a financial agreement between the host broadcaster and the current technology provider. While the England board is involved in talks, the final decision rests with the host nation’s authorities.
The chief executive of Cricket Australia has publicly criticized the technology provider’s handling of one specific error, stating that the expected fail-safes were not met and demanding assurances such mistakes would not be repeated. The match officials have already intervened to rectify one consequence of the technological failure, restoring a lost review to the fielding side.
Neither cricket board provided further comment at the close of the second day’s play, as deliberations continue behind the scenes.