Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell have been formally cautioned by the Cricket Regulator for breaching professional conduct rules following a nightclub incident during England’s pre-Ashes tour of New Zealand.
The regulator, which operates independently of the England and Wales Cricket Board, confirmed that both players accepted their involvement in the incident, which took place in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international in November last year.
Brook, England’s white-ball captain, had initially claimed he was alone during an altercation with a nightclub bouncer but later admitted that Bethell and Josh Tongue were also present. He said he misled officials in an attempt to shield his teammates and subsequently issued a public apology.
The ECB imposed a £30,000 fine on Brook and issued a final warning, while both Brook and Bethell received official cautions from the regulator. No disciplinary action was taken against Tongue, who was not part of the ODI squad at the time.
The development adds to scrutiny of England’s off-field culture, which had already drawn criticism during the Ashes tour of Australia, where concerns were raised over discipline, preparation, and player conduct. Despite the controversy, Brook retained leadership of the side for the T20 World Cup, where England reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by India.