Day 2 of the third Ashes Test at the Adelaide Oval delivered yet another dramatic DRS moment, this time involving Alex Carey and Joe Root. An apparent catch behind the stumps off Root was sent upstairs, only for the third umpire to rule it unclean, allowing England’s premier batter to survive. The decision immediately sparked animated reactions among fans and reignited debate around the use of technology.
The incident carried added significance due to events from the previous day, when Carey himself had benefited from a controversial DRS call. During Australia’s first innings, Carey survived a close edge decision that many believed should have gone against him, eventually going on to score a century. That episode had already placed the spotlight firmly on the review system.
In the latest twist, Root had just arrived at the crease when a delivery from Scott Boland took an inside edge and popped up towards Carey. The wicketkeeper dived forward and appeared to complete a low catch, but replays suggested the ball may have brushed the turf as his gloves slid along the ground.
After multiple angles were reviewed, the third umpire ruled that there was insufficient evidence to confirm a clean catch. Root was given not out, leaving the Australian players visibly frustrated and handing England a crucial reprieve at an important stage of the innings.
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Social media quickly lit up with fans pointing out the irony of Carey now being on the receiving end of a marginal DRS decision after benefiting from one earlier. Many described the moment as cricketing karma, while others debated whether the evidence should have been enough to overturn the on-field call.
The episode once again raised questions about the consistency and reliability of decision-review technology in high-pressure Test matches. As the Ashes series continues to deliver controversy alongside quality cricket, moments like these underline how fine margins and DRS calls can dramatically influence the narrative of the game.