Why has Mitchell Starc demanded to 'Sack' Snicko amid Ashes?

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Mitchell Starc, the Australian fast bowler, expressed strong frustration with the Snicko technology, specifically Australia's Real-Time Snickometer or RTS, during the third Test at Adelaide Oval in the Ashes 2025-26 series.

He was caught on the stump microphone saying: "Snicko needs to be sacked. That's theworst technology there is. They made a mistake the other day and they made another mistake today."

His demand stemmed from perceived repeated errors and inconsistencies in the Decision Review System (DRS) involving Snicko, which he believed undermined the fairness of the match.

Why has Mitchell Starc demanded two Sack Snicko?

Day 1 controversy with Alex Carey

During a caught-behind appeal against Australian wicketkeeper Alex Carey, Snicko detected a noise spike before the ball reached his bat, leading umpires to rule not out. Carey later admitted he had edged the ball, and the error was blamed on human mistake in selecting the wrong stump microphone. England had their review reinstated after discussions with the match referee, but Carey capitalized by scoring 106 in Australia's first innings total of 371.

Day 2 incident with Jamie Smith

In the final session, England batsman Jamie Smith missed a hook shot off a Pat Cummins bouncer, with the ball going to Usman Khawaja at first slip. A review checked whether it had carried low or glanced off Smith's helmet (rather than his glove). Snicko indicated it hit the helmet, upholding the not-out decision, which frustrated the Australians and prompted Starc's outburst as they questioned the technology's accuracy.

The Australians have been at the receiving end of both Snicko howlers, and that has been reason behind Starc's recent comments. Despite that, the hosts remain in firm control of the 3rd Test. At the end of Day 2, England remain 158 runs behind with a couple of wickets in hand. Australia are already leading the series 2-0.