Operator error was responsible for Alex Carey surviving a review that even he thought should have resulted in him losing his wicket.

Carey plundered 106 on day one of the third Test in Adelaide, as Australia reached stumps on 326-8.

However, Carey should have been given out earlier in his innings when on 72, as he edged a delivery from Josh Tongue through to England wicketkeeper Jamie Smith.

England called for a review after Carey was initially given not out and the Snicko technology showed a large spike. However, the TV pictures showed it coming before the ball had reached the bat.

"I thought there was a feather or some sort of noise when it passed the bat," said Carey.

"If I was given out I think I would have reviewed it, probably not confidently. It was a nice sound as it passed the bat.

"Snicko obviously didn't line up. It is just the way cricket goes – sometimes you have a bit of luck.

"Maybe it went my way."

Hard work in the heat yields eight wickets on Day 1 pic.twitter.com/xBEgsDpCri

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) December 17, 2025

Subsequently, BBG Sports, the company that owns Snicko, accepted that human error had caused the mistake.

"Given that Alex Carey admitted he had hit the ball in question, the only conclusion that can be drawn from this, is that the Snicko operator at the time must have selected the incorrect stump mic for audio processing," BBG told BBC Sport.

"In light of this, BBG Sports takes full responsibility for the error."

Carey went on to make the most his reprieve on his home ground.

"To make a hundred here in front of home fans and family was special," said Carey.

"I guess you know as well why I was looking to the heavens. I'm trying not to tear up. But, no, it was great. It was a special moment."

Australia lead the series 2-0, and only need to avoid defeat at the Adelaide Oval in order to retain the urn.