The Ashes once again delivered high-voltage drama, but this time it wasn’t just the players creating headlines—it was the third umpire. A controversial moment unfolded when England wicketkeeper-batter Jamie Smith was given out on review, despite a clear glitch on the snicko that didn’t sync with the ball’s passing frame. The on-field umpire initially ruled him not out, but Australia opted for DRS, triggering one of the longest reviews of the series.
England were already reeling from a dramatic second-innings collapse, and Smith’s dismissal only intensified the uproar. The snicko produced a tiny spike, yet the timing didn’t quite align with the ball’s movement past the bat. While some felt the ball might have brushed something on its way through, the inconsistency in frames left England fans furious, questioning the reliability of the technology in crucial Ashes moments.
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Despite the chaos, England still managed to set a lead of 200 runs, thanks to some late grit. However, the day unmistakably belonged to Mitchell Starc, who continued his phenomenal form with a 10-wicket match haul—further cementing his reputation as Australia’s deadliest strike bowler in modern Ashes contests.
Jamie Smith started to walk before coming back after this hotly discussed moment. So what’s your call here?#Ashes | #DRSChallenge | @Westpac pic.twitter.com/FpiqM6U6uM
— cricket.com.au (@cricketcomau) November 22, 2025
Simon Taufel on the Jamie Smith wicket: “the correct decision was made” 🗣️ pic.twitter.com/kOJtlzYFKi
— ESPNcricinfo (@ESPNcricinfo) November 22, 2025
Amid the debate, former umpire Simon Taufel weighed in, backing the decision. He explained that according to RTS protocols, even a spike appearing just one frame after the ball passes the bat is considered conclusive evidence. In Smith’s case, Taufel insisted the system worked as designed, even if the review appeared delayed and indecisive.
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He also pointed out that the broadcast team did their best to provide clear visuals, but the final call was correct given the available technology. “A spike after one frame past the bat means the batter has to go,” Taufel emphasised.
The controversy has reignited discussions about the accuracy and consistency of DRS—proof yet again that in the Ashes, drama is never far away.
