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Controversial dismissal sparks debate in first Ashes Test
The 2025-26 Ashes series ignited its first major controversy on day two of the opening Test in Perth, as England's Jamie Smith was dismissed following a contentious third-umpire review, leaving Australia needing 205 runs to clinch victory after England collapsed to 164 all out in their second innings.
The disputed moment
The incident unfolded in the 28th over of England's second innings, with the score at 104-6. Smith attempted a pull shot against Mitchell Starc's short ball down the leg side. Australia's Travis Head, positioned at short leg, and wicketkeeper Alex Carey both appealed, convinced they heard an edge. On-field umpire Nitin Menon initially ruled not out, but Australia captain Steve Smith immediately called for a review.
What followed was nearly five minutes of deliberation by TV umpire Sharfuddoula, who scrutinized multiple replays. Initial footage showed a faint noise on the technology, but it appeared to occur after the ball had passed Smith's bat. The England batter began walking off before turning back, as Sharfuddoula declared, "As the ball passes, there is nothing there."
Yet the review continued. Sharfuddoula eventually reversed his assessment, stating, "I can see a spike as the ball has just gone past the bat. I am satisfied the ball has made contact with the bat." The decision stood, converting England's 104-6 to 104-7 and triggering a wave of boos from English fans at Perth Stadium.
Technology and protocols under scrutiny
The International Cricket Council's (ICC) playing conditions mandate that third umpires must overturn on-field decisions only when "highly confident" based on available technology. If evidence remains "inconclusive," the original call stands. Sharfuddoula, however, deemed the audio-visual spike-detected via Real Time Snickometer (RTS)-sufficient to overturn the not-out ruling.
Former international umpire Simon Taufel, speaking on 7 Cricket, defended the process: "The conclusive evidence protocols with RTS-if you get a spike up to one frame past the bat, that is conclusive. In this case, that's exactly what we saw." He acknowledged delays in Sharfuddoula's decision but affirmed its correctness, adding, "The batter has got to go."
The guys in the truck were doing their utmost to show him [Sharfuddoula] and to slow it down, to try rocking and rolling that frame. For me, the correct decision was made.
Simon Taufel, former ICC Elite Panel umpire
Reactions and fallout
England's collapse to 164 all out left Australia requiring 205 runs for victory, but the dismissal dominated post-match discussion. Former England captain Michael Vaughan criticized the review's duration on Test Match Special: "There should be a timeframe. It has to be clear and obvious." He noted Smith's initial acceptance of the decision, suggesting the batter's lack of protest implied acknowledgment of the edge.
BBC Sport later reported that Australia's RTS technology includes a two-frame gap between visuals and sound waves-a detail that may explain the delayed spike. Despite the controversy, the ICC's protocols were followed, albeit under intense scrutiny.
What's next
Australia will resume their chase on day three, while England face pressure to address their batting fragility. The incident has reignited debates over DRS consistency and the balance between technology and human judgment in cricket's highest-stakes moments.
