England fast bowler Brydon Carse has come under scrutiny after being seen in handcuffs outside a nightclub in Derby on Saturday night. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has started an investigation into the incident.
Footage shared on social media shows Carse surrounded by police officers outside the venue. England team-mate Matthew Potts and former captain Ben Stokes can also be seen in the video. It is currently unclear what happened at the nightclub or why Carse was placed in handcuffs. No further details about the incident have been confirmed.
The 31-year-old was not selected for England’s first Test against Pakistan at Headingley. The ECB had released him to play for Durham in the County Championship during that period. Carse remains part of England’s squad for the second Test against Pakistan. The match is scheduled to begin at Lord’s on Thursday, with the latest incident now being reviewed by the ECB.
“We are aware of an incident which is reported to have taken place in Derby last night, and are currently investigating,” an ECB spokesperson said. “We will provide a further update when possible.”
England’s Alcohol Policy Under Scrutiny
The incident has come at a time when England’s approach to alcohol and player conduct is facing fresh attention. The issue was also discussed after an incident involving Stokes and Gus Atkinson at a London nightclub earlier this year.
Stokes retired from international cricket in June, shortly after that alcohol-related incident. Both Stokes and Atkinson were left out of England’s squad for the second Test against New Zealand while the ECB reviewed its alcohol policy. Stokes returned to captain England in the third and final Test before announcing his retirement midway through the match. England lost that Test and went on to suffer a series defeat.
Joe Root later replaced Stokes as England’s Test captain and removed the team’s midnight curfew. Root said the players were “grown adults” and should be trusted to make their own decisions. Root also said there was no need for a complete alcohol ban. He felt players could have “a sensible beer” at the right time while still understanding their responsibilities as England players.