Australian fast bowler Mitchell Starc has raised concerns over inconsistencies in the DRS (Decision Review System) technology, questioning why the ICC has not funded it and argued that all international matches should use a single provider.
His comments come in the wake of controversial decisions taken during the ongoing Ashes series.
Both Australia and England have expressed frustration over several incidents involving real-time snico (RTS), with tensions peaking during the Adelaide Test.
A notable controversy arose on the second morning of the match when England were reviewed by match referee Jeff Crowe.
Snicko’s suppliers, PPG Sports, admitted operator error caused a false recovery for Alex Carey during his opening day century.
On the second day, following another controversial call, Stark asked on the stump mic that “Snicko should be fired.”
In response, the ECB and Cricket Australia plan to pressure the ICC to review its protocols and systems.
A key point of contention is the current model in which host broadcasters pay for technology, which Stark believes contributes to the inconsistency.
“I’m sure it’s frustrating for the spectators, the officials, the broadcasters, no doubt everyone,” Stark said.
“I’ll say one thing … I’m only going to speak for myself here, the officials are using it, right? Why doesn’t the ICC pay for it? And why not just one provider? Why not use the same technology in all series? That would create less confusion, less frustration.”
Currently, the ICC recognizes two “acoustic edge detection” suppliers: RTS, used in Australia, and UltraEdge, used in the rest of the world.
Former Australian captain Ricky Ponting suggested that the umpires “can’t trust” the RTS, saying the UltraEdge was better during the third Test.
Australian captain Pat Cummins took a more diplomatic stance but acknowledged the differences between the organisations. “Being here sometimes seems a little different than what you get overseas,” Cummins said.
“There’s always going to be some grunts. If you’re a bowling team you hope it’s consistent. Sometimes you make sure you’re batting right, even if you think you’re not hitting it. It’s not always very consistent, but whatever the umpire says, you get over it.”
Although UltraEdge is used in the Big Bash League (PBL), there is currently no provision to switch technology providers mid-series, meaning RTS will continue to be used for the final two Ashes Tests in Melbourne and Sydney.