Brydon Carse Dropped From Second Pakistan Test Amid Nightclub Investigation
LONDON: England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been dropped from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan following an off-field incident in Derby.
Images circulating on social media appeared to show Carse in police handcuffs outside a nightclub late Saturday night. He had played for his county side Durham earlier that day.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Monday that Carse would be replaced by Sonny Baker for the second Test, which starts on Thursday.
The ECB said the Cricket Regulator would investigate the incident following a referral from the governing body.
“Brydon Carse will no longer be available for selection for the Second men’s Rothesay Test match while this investigation is ongoing and the full facts are obtained,” the ECB said.
The Cricket Regulator independently investigates alleged breaches of ECB regulations. Possible outcomes include no further action, a caution or a formal charge.
The incident comes only days after England captain Joe Root scrapped a midnight curfew for the men’s team.
England managing director Rob Key had introduced the curfew after a series of late-night incidents during the team’s winter tours of New Zealand and Australia.
Key said in December that he would review the team’s drinking habits after reports that some players had consumed excessive amounts of alcohol during the Ashes series. England lost the series 4-1.
A video also appeared to show England opener Ben Duckett struggling to remember his way back to the team hotel.
In June, former Test captain Ben Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson were dropped for one Test after another nightclub incident. They had stayed out beyond the curfew following the opening match of a three-Test series against New Zealand.
Stokes returned for the final Test but later announced his retirement from Test cricket during the match.
The developments eventually paved the way for Joe Root to return for a second spell as England captain.
