England skipper Joe Root has made clear in no uncertain terms his disappointment over the Brydon Carse incident last weekend.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has officially launched an investigation into fast bowler Carse after startling footage emerged on social media showing him being led away in handcuffs by police outside a Derby nightclub.
The incident, which occurred late last Saturday, casts a fresh shadow over the culture within the England camp, arriving just days after returning Test captain Root issued a public plea for his players to act as better role models.
This is just the latest episode in a catalogue of off-field misdemeanours among the England cricket team. Harry Brook was punched by a bouncer while out the night before a one-day international in New Zealand last year whilst another incident saw Ben Duckett appear drunk on a video while the team were on a mid-series break during their Ashes tour.
There was also the time that former captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson broke a curfew to attend a Chelsea nightclub as they celebrated a win. The pair were cleared of violent conduct but hit with written warnings after “breaching specific contractual obligations”.
The ECB confirmed on Sunday that they are looking into the Carse matter, alongside the Cricket Regulator.
“We are aware of an incident which is reported to have taken place in Derby last night, and are currently investigating,” an ECB spokesperson stated. “We will provide a further update when possible.”
Now, returning Test skipper Root has expressed his bitter disappointment that England players are making headlines on the front pages of newspapers rather than the back.
“If I’m being brutally honest, I’m really hacked off,” Root told a press conference on Tuedsay. “I’m really disappointed that after last week’s performance we are sat here and we’re talking about something not related to it at all.
“In terms of the incident itself, obviously with the regulator, there’s not a lot I can say on it. It’s in their hands now. I’ve spoken to Brydon when I first found out; my first concern was for him as a person. In my time in the dressing room, you obviously develop personal relationships with players.
“I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn when I say he’s been very upset and has been very apologetic and understands his actions. I’m sure when he gets his chance, he will say that himself.
“It’s not the isolated incident itself, it’s the fact that we continually keep making stupid mistakes away from the game and it’s detracting from what we’re doing on the field.”
