England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been removed from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan following an investigation into an incident at a club in Derby, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Monday.
“After being referred by the ECB, the Cricket Regulator has confirmed it will investigate the events that took place on Saturday evening in Derby,” the ECB said in a statement. “Brydon Carse will not be available for selection for the second men's Test while the investigation is ongoing and until sufficient information has been gathered.”
Carse, who did not play in the Headingley win, will be replaced by Sonny Baker. Videos circulating on social media appear to show the 31-year-old fast bowler handcuffed and speaking with police outside a venue. According to reports, Carse was not arrested and no charges have been brought.
This has been a busy summer for the Cricket Regulator, which was established to investigate alleged breaches of the ECB's code of conduct. In June, the regulator concluded its investigation into former captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson after a nightclub incident following the first Test against New Zealand. Both were sidelined for the second Test before the regulator determined there was insufficient evidence to establish a breach of regulations.
The latest investigation comes five days after returning England captain Joe Root spoke about players being “role models and genuinely good people” following a series of incidents and allegations about drinking culture. England have faced recent controversies, with off-field issues during last winter's tour, including Harry Brook being fined £30,000 (USD 41,000) after an altercation in Wellington, New Zealand, as well as reports of drinking during a Noosa trip amid the Ashes series.
