Ashes 2025-26: Carey Edged Ball Review
- Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey benefited from a contentious decision during the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide, sparking debate about the use of technology in cricket and...
- During day one of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval on July 6, 2023, Australia's Alex Carey was given not out after England appealed for a...
- Replays showed a notable spike on the Snickometer (ultraedge) - technology designed to detect edges - coinciding with the ball passing Carey's bat.However, analysis revealed the spike occurred...
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Alex Carey Survives Controversial Review during Ashes Test
Table of Contents
Australia wicketkeeper Alex Carey benefited from a contentious decision during the third Ashes Test against England in Adelaide, sparking debate about the use of technology in cricket and a tradition known as ‘walking’.
The Incident: A Close Call in Adelaide
During day one of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval on July 6, 2023, Australia’s Alex Carey was given not out after England appealed for a catch behind. England captain Ben Stokes instantly called for a review of the decision.
Replays showed a notable spike on the Snickometer (ultraedge) – technology designed to detect edges – coinciding with the ball passing Carey’s bat.However, analysis revealed the spike occurred *before* the ball reached the bat, suggesting it may have hit the surface or Carey’s pad. The on-field umpire’s original decision stood, much to the frustration of the England team.
Carey, who was on 72 at the time, went on to score a century, finishing with 106 runs, contributing significantly to Australia’s first innings total of 326-8 at the close of play.
the ‘Walker’ Tradition and Carey’s Response
The incident brought renewed attention to the “walker” tradition in cricket. A ‘walker’ is a batter who chooses to walk off the field without waiting for the umpire’s decision, acknowledging they have been dismissed, even if the umpire hasn’t given them out. This practice,while not formally codified,is considered a presentation of sportsmanship.
When questioned about whether he would have walked if the umpire had given him out, Carey jokingly responded, “clearly not.” This comment drew some criticism from commentators and fans, who argued that a ‘walker’ would have immediately departed the crease given the apparent evidence of an edge.
Technology and Umpiring Decisions in Cricket
The use of technology, including the Decision Review System (DRS), has become integral to modern cricket. DRS incorporates several technologies, including UltraEdge (Snickometer), Hawk-Eye (ball-tracking), and Hot Spot (infrared imaging) to assist umpires in making accurate decisions.
However, DRS is not infallible.The interpretation of the technology can be subjective, and margins of error exist. The incident involving Carey highlights the ongoing debate about the reliance on technology and the role of the human umpire.
| DRS Technology | Function | Limitations |
|---|---|---|
| ultraedge (Snickometer) | Detects edges by analyzing sound waves. | Can be affected by bat material and ground noise. |
| Hawk-Eye | Tracks the ball’s trajectory to determine LBW decisions. | Relies on complex algorithms and camera angles; potential for inaccuracies. |
| Hot Spot | Uses infrared imaging to detect contact between bat and ball. | Effectiveness can be reduced by bat grip and moisture. |