England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been withdrawn from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan after the England and Wales Cricket Board confirmed an investigation into an incident at a club in Derby. The 31-year-old Durham paceman was not selected for the series opener at Headingley, which England won, but had been expected to come into contention for the next match.
The ECB said on Monday that the Cricket Regulator, the independent body responsible for examining potential breaches of the governing body’s code of conduct, will look into events that took place on Saturday night. Carse will remain unavailable for selection while the investigation is ongoing and the full facts are established. Somerset seamer Sonny Baker has been called up as his replacement.
Social Media Footage and Police Involvement
Videos circulated widely on social media appearing to show Carse in handcuffs being spoken to by police officers outside a Derby venue. According to multiple reports, the bowler was not arrested and no charges were brought. The ECB has not commented on the specifics of the footage, citing the ongoing regulatory process.
The incident is the latest in a series of off-field controversies to affect the England men’s setup. In June, the Cricket Regulator concluded an investigation into former 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 before the regulator ruled there was insufficient evidence to establish any regulatory breach had occurred.
Growing Scrutiny on England’s Off-Field Conduct
The Carse investigation comes just five days after returning Test captain Joe Root publicly defended the squad’s culture, describing the players as “really good role models and human beings” following accusations of a drinking culture. Root’s comments were made in the context of a difficult period for the team, which has seen multiple disciplinary issues over the past year.
Controversy has followed England across recent tours. Harry Brook was fined £30,000 ($41,000) following an altercation in Wellington during the winter tour of New Zealand. Reports also emerged of drinking during a mid-Ashes series trip to Noosa in Australia. Ben Stokes subsequently retired from international cricket after returning for the third Test against New Zealand, and Brendon McCullum was dismissed as Test coach.
What Happens Next for Carse and England
Carse, who has played 14 Tests for England since his debut in 2021, now faces an uncertain immediate future. The Cricket Regulator’s investigation will determine whether any breach of the ECB’s code of conduct occurred. Until that process concludes, he will not be considered for selection.
England will name their XI for the second Test against Pakistan in the coming days. Sonny Baker, a 22-year-old right-arm fast bowler who has impressed for Somerset in the County Championship, is in line for a potential Test debut. The match is scheduled to begin later this week, with England looking to build on their victory at Headingley and secure the series.
The ECB has not provided a timeline for the investigation’s conclusion. The Cricket Regulator operates independently of the England selection panel, and its findings will be published once the process is complete.
