Alex Carey’s shock confession exposes Snicko failure that saved him; Ashes controversy erupts

Wicketkeeper-batter Alex Carey has admitted that Australia benefited from a bit of luck on Day 1 (Wednesday, December 17) of the third Test against England in the Ashes 2025-26 series. Carey also said there was a noise as the ball passed his bat, adding that he is not the type of player to walk after nicking.

Australia took a slight advantage over England at stumps on Day 1. Carey scored a memorable century before falling for 106 runs. Usman Khawaja scored 82 runs after coming into the side as a late replacement for the unwell Steven Smith. Jofra Archer was the pick of the bowlers for England with three wickets.

Alex Carey Given Not Out on 72 After Wafting at Josh Tongue's Delivery

A new Snicko controversy surfaced on the opening day in Adelaide. Alex Carey survived an appeal from England when he was batting on 72. Wicketkeeper Jamie Smith and the slip cordon were convinced they heard a clear edge off a Josh Tongue delivery.

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England reviewed the decision, and Snicko showed a noticeable spike. However, the sound appeared a few frames before the ball reached Carey’s bat. With the noise not lining up visually, the third umpire upheld the on-field call of not out, leaving England frustrated.

The incident became a major talking point, especially as Carey went on to score a century, putting Snicko under scrutiny during the series. Australia scored 326 runs for the loss of eight wickets in 83 overs by stumps.

There Was a Bit of a Feather or Some Sort of Noise - Alex Carey

Speaking at the press conference, Alex Carey said that he may have edged the ball, but the decision went in his favour. Carey stated that he heard a faint noise as the ball passed his bat. Carey accepted that the decision involved a bit of luck, noting that Snicko did not line up properly on the visuals.

“I thought there was a bit of a feather or some sort of noise when it passed the bat,” Carey later admitted. “It looked a but funny on the replay, didn’t it, with the noise coming a bit early. If I was given out I think I would have reviewed it but probably not confidently. It was a nice sound as it passed the bat.

“Snicko obviously didn’t line up, did it. That’s just the way cricket goes sometimes, you have a bit of luck, and maybe it went my way today.”

Asked if he is a “walker”, Carey smiled: “Clearly not.”

"Are you a walker?"

Alex Carey addresses the controversial DRS decision, while England bowling coach David Saker also weighs in: https://t.co/lDdlj94sEm pic.twitter.com/VjeRcoAPc2

— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) December 17, 2025

The Boys Were Pretty Confident Alex Carey Hit It - David Saker

The incident came at a crucial moment, with Australia six down for 245 in the first innings. The call went Australia’s way, leaving the visitors frustrated.

England’s bowling coach David Saker said the team were convinced Carey had edged the ball. He criticised the reliability of Snicko, adding that the technology has been inconsistent throughout the series.

“The boys were pretty confident he hit it,” the Poms’ bowling coach said immediately after Carey’s press conference.

“I think the snicko’s (been) out quite a bit, and it’s probably been the case for the series. I can’t remember the exact score, but it was a pretty important decision. Those things hurt ... you’d think in this day-and-age, you’d hope the technology’s good enough to pick things up like that," he added.

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