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Day 2 of the Perth Test in the Ashes 2025-26 erupted into uproar as Jamie Smith’s dismissal ignited one of the biggest controversies of the series so far. England, already reeling at 104/6, were dealt another blow when Smith was adjudged caught behind in circumstances that many fans and experts believe lacked conclusive proof.
The drama unfolded when Brendan Doggett sent down a leg-side delivery that barely brushed past the batter. Alex Carey immediately appealed, convinced he had heard something. Third umpire Sharfuddoula ruled the decision in fielding team’s favour, prompting Smith to begin walking — but a slight hesitation suggested he wasn’t entirely sure of the edge.
UltraEdge replay raises more questions than answers on Jamie Smith’s controversial dismissal
Australia sent the decision upstairs, certain they had found a faint deviation. What followed added a thick layer of confusion. The Real-Time Snicko (RTS) showed a spike, but crucially, the spike appeared after the ball had passed Smith’s bat — a visual anomaly that commentators were quick to highlight.
Despite the unusual timing and the lack of synchronised evidence between audio and visuals, the third umpire ruled that the spike was enough to uphold the on-field call. England players — from the non-striker’s end to the dressing-room balcony — reacted with disbelief, while Smith walked off visibly frustrated after scoring 15 from 25 balls.
England’s slide continues as Australia tighten grip
Smith’s departure left England tottering at 104/7 with a slender lead of 144. The wicket also came at a time when the visitors were desperately trying to stabilise after Mitchell Starc’s sensational spell earlier in the day. Starc, who completed a stunning 10-wicket match haul, had already crushed England’s top order with vintage pace and swing.
Australia sensed another opening the moment Smith was adjudged out. Doggett, combining discipline and angle, kept England under constant pressure, while the rest of the attack suffocated scoring options. With momentum fully shifting Australia’s way, Day 2 turned into one of the most defining passages of the Ashes so far. The visitors were eventually bundled out for 164, giving Australia a target of 205 runs.
The decision sparked immediate outrage across social media, with fans accusing the third umpire of making a hasty and inconsistent call. Many argued that the evidence was far from clear and that England had legitimate reason to feel aggrieved.
Here’s how fans reacted:
jamie smith is too shareef for this cruel cricketing world, that was clearly not out….
— Murtaza (@Zaidii_72)
What a stupid decision by third umpire against Jamie Smith.Clearly shows no spike when ball passes the bat 1st pic.
— harikp (@harifedal)
Jamie Smith should have given not out for the simple lack of conclusive evidence
— Samar (@eighteenpoint5)
That Jamie Smith wicket is bullshit, how can you give that out
— Carl White (@CarlWhite83)
that Jamie Smith wicket
— Jorge De Guzman (@AttantiManoj)
That was close indeed, but it wasn't looking out. Ball passed & then Snicko had shown a lil deviation & also no noise came.
But why Jamie Smith walked off straight.?— Prajakta ~ (@pprja_14)
Was jamie smith really out?
— Romeo (@itsnotokaydude)
That Jamie Smith decision was an absolute farce. 5 minutes, inconclusive. Ah well, change the on-field decision. Shambles.
— WannaTeachPE (@WannaTeachPE)
I feel Jamie Smith hasn’t nicked it.
— Varadh Krishna (@KrishnaVaradh)
I lost my vocal cords screeching at that decision of Jamie Smith! Man, I didn’t think I had so many bad words in me 🤬
— 🇮🇳Habibti🏴 (@Yas_Queen17)
That's a very controversial 3rd umpire decision for Jamie Smith. Bad luck England
— som72 (@Uk72som)
England will be pissed at Jamie Smith being given out there.
I think the third umpire has had a howler with that review.
Also a review should not be taking over 5 minutes.— Austin 3:16 (@Lloydbhudda)
Horrendous decision to give Jamie Smith out there. 3rd umpire had it out for him there using every single angle
— LD (@Lewis_D99)
Stuart Broad should train Jamie Smith. Don't start walking off ever!!
— Akash Satyawali (@AkashSatyawali)
Jamie Smith's bat was missing the ball by miles, but 3rd umpire gave it out. Shameless decision
— 🗿 (@Anperop)
That's a bullshit decision. Jamie Smith has been given out, caught behind, after a five minute review, that showed the noise being inconsistent with the placement of the bat and ball
— Mike (@MIKE_CAVS_UK)
Jamie Smith was not out, wtf 3rd umpire has done
— ISHU (@IshRo45)
Jamie Smith Got out controversial way
— Spidey (@spidey_ict)
I'm going to applaud the third umpire for that decision to give Jamie Smith out.
Despite it taking a ridiculously long time, he was faced with apparently contradictory evidence and under pressure took the time to work it through.
— Andrew (@shortflyslip)
