Netizens slam 3rd umpire as Jamie Smith’s dismissal erupts major controversy on Day 2 of Perth Test

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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.

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.

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.

Also WATCH: Ashes 2025-26 – Mitchell Starc plucks a screamer to remove Zak Crawley for another duck on Day 2 of the Perth Test

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.

jamie smith is too shareef for this cruel cricketing world, that was clearly not out….

— Murtaza (@Zaidii_72) November 22, 2025

What a stupid decision by third umpire against Jamie Smith.Clearly shows no spike when ball passes the bat 1st pic. #Ashes2025#England

— harikp (@harifedal) November 22, 2025

Jamie Smith should have given not out for the simple lack of conclusive evidence

— Samar (@eighteenpoint5) November 22, 2025

That Jamie Smith wicket is bullshit, how can you give that out #ashes

— Carl White (@CarlWhite83) November 22, 2025

that Jamie Smith wicket

— Jorge De Guzman (@AttantiManoj) November 22, 2025

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.?#Ashes2025

— Prajakta ~ (@pprja_14) November 22, 2025

Was jamie smith really out?#Ashes2025 #ENGvsAUS

— Romeo (@itsnotokaydude) November 22, 2025

That Jamie Smith decision was an absolute farce. 5 minutes, inconclusive. Ah well, change the on-field decision. Shambles. #ashes

— WannaTeachPE (@WannaTeachPE) November 22, 2025

I feel Jamie Smith hasn’t nicked it. #Ashes2025

— Varadh Krishna (@KrishnaVaradh) November 22, 2025

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 🤬 #Ashes

— 🇮🇳Habibti🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 (@Yas_Queen17) November 22, 2025

That's a very controversial 3rd umpire decision for Jamie Smith. Bad luck England #Ashes

— som72 (@Uk72som) November 22, 2025

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) November 22, 2025

Horrendous decision to give Jamie Smith out there. 3rd umpire had it out for him there using every single angle #Ashes

— LD (@Lewis_D99) November 22, 2025

Stuart Broad should train Jamie Smith. Don't start walking off ever!! #Ashes2025

— Akash Satyawali (@AkashSatyawali) November 22, 2025

Jamie Smith's bat was missing the ball by miles, but 3rd umpire gave it out. Shameless decision

— 🗿 (@Anperop) November 22, 2025

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) November 22, 2025

Jamie Smith was not out, wtf 3rd umpire has done

— ISHU (@IshRo45) November 22, 2025

Jamie Smith Got out controversial way #AUSvENG #Ashes

— Spidey (@spidey_ict) November 22, 2025

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) November 22, 2025

Also READ: Ashes 2025-26: Ben Stokes rescues England against Australia after Mitchell Starc’s fiery spell as 19 wickets fall on Day 1 of Perth Test