England fast bowler Brydon Carse has withdrawn from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s after being involved in an off-field incident.
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced on Tuesday after sources revealed the 31-year-old, who was playing for Durham against Derbyshire at Derby in the County Championship, had briefly been held by police over a night out. Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker will take his place.
What was it and where did it happen?
Carce, the man pictured surrounded by police in Derby city center on Saturday night after failing to be selected for the first Test in Leeds, has been excluded following an alleged altercation outside a venue in Derby on August 22.
In a clip that did the rounds on social media, Carse could be seen with officers, before being led away, which the Derbyshire Constabulary explained was part of procedure after being arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. A statement read: “A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly in Derby city centre on Saturday night (22 August). However, the man was de-arrested shortly after having agreed to leave the area.”
The video also showed team mates Ben Stokes and Matthew Potts, but it is clear that both the all-rounder and the seam bowler had done absolutely nothing to get involved.
What is the ECB saying?
The ECB referred the incident to the Cricket Regulator and he has confirmed he will conduct a full inquiry of what happened in Derby on Saturday night. In an official release from the ECB this afternoon the England and Wales Cricket Board said: “Following a referral from the ECB, the Cricket Regulator have confirmed that they will investigate events on Saturday night in Derby.
Brydon Carse will no longer be available for selection for the second men’s Rothesay Test match while this investigation is ongoing and the full facts are obtained. Brydon will be replaced in the squad for this match by Sonny Baker.”
