A big moment unfolded early in England’s innings at the Gabba when Michael Neser produced a beauty to Zak Crawley — but Australia opted against the review, and it may have cost them a crucial wicket.
In the third over, Neser bowled a delivery at 131.3 km/h, straightening just enough off a good length to beat Crawley’s tentative poke. Australia immediately went up for a caught-behind appeal, but after a brief discussion, stand-in captain Steve Smith decided not to send it upstairs.
Moments later, the broadcast replay revealed the twist: Snicko showed a faint murmur, suggesting a possible outside edge. Had Australia reviewed, there was a real chance the decision might have been overturned in their favour.
Given England’s fragile record at the top and Starc already picking early wickets, this missed opportunity could prove significant as the Test progresses.
