Mitchell Starc (Source: AFP)
Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has raised concerns over the inconsistencies in the Decision Review System (DRS) during the ongoing Ashes 2025-26.
He also questioned why the International Cricket Council (ICC) does not pay for the technology and why a single provider is not used across all international matches to avoid confusion.
Mitchell Starc slams 'Snicko', urges ICC to centralize DRS
The controversy intensified during the third Test at the Adelaide Oval, where both Australia and England expressed frustration over decisions made using Real Time Snicko (RTS). Starc, frustrated by some calls, was even heard on the stump mic saying, ‘Snicko needs to be sacked.’
Starc said - “I'm sure it's frustrating for everyone, viewers, officials, and broadcasters, no doubt. One thing I will say ... I'm only going to speak for myself here, the officials use it, right? So why doesn't the ICC pay for it? And why is it not just one [provider] 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? So that's where I'll leave that,” as quoted by ESPNcricinfo.
The popular series has had several mistakes. On Day 2 in Adelaide, Ben Stokes got a review back after the match referee found out that the Snicko operator made a mistake, which had let Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey off incorrectly. In another incident, involving Jamie Smith, Mitchell Starc got angry on the field.
Australian captain Pat Cummins also commented, noting that RTS appeared to differ from UltraEdge used in a lot of other countries. "The one here seems a little bit different to sometimes what you get overseas. There’s always a few murmurs,” Cummins said.
As per ESPNCricinfo, cricket boards, including, ECB (England and Wales Cricket Board) and Cricket Australia are expected to lobby the ICC to review the DRS protocols, especially since the current system puts the cost on host broadcasters.
It is important to note that for now, RTS is set to continue for the final two Ashes Tests. The fourth Test will start on Friday, 26 December 2025, and will be played at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The final Ashes test will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground (SCG), starting January 4th.
