London: England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been dropped from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan while the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) investigates an incident at a club in Derby.
ECB Refers Incident to Cricket Regulator
The ECB said on Monday that the Cricket Regulator would investigate events that took place on Saturday night in Derby. Carse will remain unavailable for selection while the investigation is conducted and the facts are established.
Carse, 31, did not feature in England’s opening Test victory at Headingley and will be replaced in the squad by fast bowler Sonny Baker. Videos circulating on social media appeared to show Carse in handcuffs while being spoken to by police outside a venue. Reports said he was not arrested and no charges were filed.
Investigation Adds to England’s Recent Off-Field Issues
The investigation is the latest disciplinary matter involving England players. In June, the Cricket Regulator investigated former Test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson following an incident at a nightclub after England’s first Test against New Zealand. Both players missed the second Test, but the regulator later found insufficient evidence of a breach of the ECB’s code of conduct.
The latest case comes after England captain Joe Root recently stressed the importance of players being positive role models. England has faced several off-field controversies in recent months, including Harry Brook being fined £30,000 following an incident in Wellington and reports of drinking during last winter’s Ashes tour.