Snicko, Hot Spot set to rise for Ashes The real-time Snicko is an updated version of previous audio technology that analyses potential nicks. Cricket's latest technology gizmo, the real-time Snickometer, could make a surprise late entry to the game's decision review system in this summer's Ashes series after behind-the-scenes negotiations between the International Cricket Council, Australia and England. The ICC has moved to permit a trial of the new device for the five-match contest between Australia and England starting at the Gabba on November 21 with the agreement of both countries. And in another 11th-hour twist, Hot Spot is also likely to be revived as a DRS and broadcast tool in the Ashes, having been dumped last month after talks between Channel Nine and Hot Spot's Australian inventor unexpectedly restarted. The addition of the real-time Snicko would be a major development for the much-maligned DRS, which marred the Ashes series in the winter won 3-0 by England along with a series of questionable umpiring decisions. Like Hot Spot, it is owned by Warren Brennan's BBG Sports, which has argued that the two devices would ideally work in tandem in detecting edges from bats. It would mean the television umpires in the Ashes would have more help from technology than ever before, with ball-tracking, stump microphones and slow-motion replays also at their disposal. The real-time Snicko is an updated version of previous audio technology that analyses potential nicks, and was trialled as a broadcast tool - and not part of the DRS - during the first leg of the back-to-back Ashes series in England in July and August. Its advantage is that it provides results much faster to the third umpire than its predecessor, which has been previously left out of the DRS because of the time it took to match up the audio with the images captured by the cameras. The ICC, Australia and England have discussed its possible adoption for the Ashes, but the new device would have to be officially approved by the ICC on technical grounds for that to take place. Another stumbling block would be the need to train umpires in the short time before the first Test and to determine how they should use the improved Snicko to make a decision. ■ Not even the Barmy Army will be able to stop a reborn Mitchell Johnson this summer, according to Australia's fast bowling mentor Craig McDermott. Johnson has admitted the heckling England supporters' group was his Achilles heel during Australia's Ashes humiliation three years ago. But McDermott said the in-form Johnson was in a mental and technical position now where he would be strong enough to take an attitude of "who cares about the Barmy Army." Johnson was released from Australia's one-day team for its series-deciding clash with India in Bangalore on Saturday to ramp up his red-ball preparation.