England Fast Bowler Carse Investigated After Handcuff Incident

England fast bowler Brydon Carse is being investigated by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) after an incident outside a nightclub in Derby on Saturday night. Videos circulating on social media showed Carse in handcuffs and led away by police. Durham teammate Matthew Potts also appeared in the footage with former captain Ben Stokes visible in the background.

The ECB confirmed it is looking into the matter but has not clarified whether Carse remains in the squad for the second Test against Pakistan which starting Thursday at Lord's. Carse was not on England duty at the time, having been released to play for Durham against Derbyshire. It is understood he was not arrested as early reports suggest he was either denied re-entry to the venue or had a drink thrown on him.

The incident comes days after new Test captain Joe Root urged players to be "good role models" having scrapped the team's midnight curfew as one of his first acts in charge. It marks the latest in a string of off-field controversies involving England players over the past year including Harry Brook's altercation with a bouncer in Wellington and Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson breaching curfew in June which led to their suspension from a Test.

Brydon Carse, England's leading Test wicket-taker since his 2024 debut with 58 wickets was previously banned for three months over historical betting offences. The ECB is expected to decide soon whether he will remain part of the squad as pressure grows on the board to address a pattern of discipline issues among senior players.