England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been withdrawn from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan following an investigation into an incident at a club in Derby on Saturday night, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said on Monday.
Carse, who did not feature in England’s opening Test victory at Headingley, will be replaced by Sonny Baker as the investigation continues.
ECB Confirms Cricket Regulator Investigation
The ECB said it had referred the matter to the Cricket Regulator, which will investigate the events that took place in Derby.
“Following a referral from the ECB, the Cricket Regulator has confirmed that they will investigate events on Saturday night in Derby,” the ECB said in a statement.
The governing body added that Carse would not be available for selection for the second men’s Test while the investigation remains ongoing and the full facts are established.
Carse Withdrawn from Second Test Squad
Carse was part of England’s squad but did not play in the first Test against Pakistan at Headingley.
With the investigation now underway, the 31-year-old Durham fast bowler has been removed from consideration for the second Test. Sonny Baker has been called up as his replacement.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show Carse in handcuffs while speaking to police officers outside a venue in Derby. Reports have indicated that he was not arrested and no charges were brought.
Cricket Regulator Investigated Previous Incident
The latest case comes during a busy period for England’s Cricket Regulator, which investigates allegations of breaches of the ECB’s code of conduct.
In June, the regulator concluded an investigation involving former England Test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson following a nightclub incident after the first Test against New Zealand.
Both players were left out of the second Test while the investigation was conducted. The regulator later concluded there was insufficient evidence to establish that either player had committed a regulatory breach.
England Faces Continued Off-Field Scrutiny
Carse’s withdrawal comes just days after returning England Test captain Joe Root spoke about the importance of players being “really good role models and human beings” amid a series of off-field incidents.
England has faced increased scrutiny over player behaviour in recent months, particularly following allegations surrounding drinking and discipline during overseas tours.
Previous Controversies Involving England Players
During last winter’s tours, Harry Brook was fined £30,000 ($41,000) following an altercation in Wellington.
There were also reports of drinking during a mid-Ashes trip to Noosa, adding to concerns surrounding England’s off-field conduct.
The team has subsequently undergone major changes. Ben Stokes retired from international cricket after returning for the third Test against New Zealand, while Brendon McCullum was removed as England’s Test coach.
Investigation Could Determine Carse’s Future
The Cricket Regulator’s investigation will now establish the full circumstances surrounding the Derby incident and determine whether any breach of the ECB’s code of conduct occurred.
For now, Carse will remain unavailable for England’s second Test against Pakistan, with Sonny Baker taking his place in the squad.