Brydon Carse dropped from England squad for second Test against Pakistan after nightclub incident

England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been removed from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan after an incident in Derby left him briefly in handcuffs.

The 31-year-old was filmed outside a bar in Derby on Saturday night after Durham had beaten Derbyshire in the County Championship. Carse was released without being arrested or charged, but the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has referred the incident to the Cricket Regulator for investigation.

The Cricket Regulator will now establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident, with Carse unavailable for England while the investigation is ongoing.

“Following a referral from the ECB, the Cricket Regulator have confirmed that they will investigate events on Saturday night in Derby,” said an ECB statement.

“Brydon Carse will no longer be available for selection for the second men’s Test while this investigation is ongoing and the full facts are obtained.”

Sonny Baker has been called into the 16-man squad as Carse’s replacement. Baker, 23, made his only Test appearance so far in the second match of England’s series against New Zealand in June.

Why was Brydon Carse in Derby?

Carse had been included in England’s squad for the first Test against Pakistan but was not selected for the match at Headingley, where Pakistan won by an innings inside three days.

He was subsequently released from the England squad to play for Durham against Derbyshire. Durham won the County Championship fixture on Saturday, with Carse contributing two wickets and 26 runs.

After the match, footage emerged on social media showing Carse in handcuffs outside a Derby venue. Durham team-mate Matthew Potts was also present, while former England captain Ben Stokes could be seen in the background.

Carse was not on England duty at the time, but remains a centrally contracted England player. The incident occurred less than 48 hours before he was due to return to the national squad in London ahead of the second Test at Lord’s.

The precise circumstances behind Carse being handcuffed have not been confirmed by the ECB, while the Cricket Regulator’s investigation remains ongoing.

Another disciplinary issue for England

Carse’s removal comes during a difficult period for England’s players away from the field.

Stokes and Gus Atkinson missed the second Test against New Zealand earlier this summer after being present at a London nightclub incident involving a member of England’s security staff. Both players were eventually given written warnings over their conduct.

England had previously introduced a team curfew following a series of late-night incidents during the winter. Joe Root removed the curfew when he took over as captain, with the guidelines surrounding alcohol consumption around matches and in public also relaxed.

Harry Brook was punched by a bouncer outside a nightclub in Wellington, while Ben Duckett was filmed apparently drunk during England’s Ashes holiday in Noosa.

Root addressed the issue before the first Test against Pakistan, calling on his players to set a positive example.

“You always want to represent your country in the best possible light,” Root said.

“We might have fallen short of that on a few occasions in the recent past. The only thing we can do to rectify that is be really good role models, good human beings and put in really strong performances on the field.”

Carse’s previous disciplinary issue

The latest incident is not the first disciplinary setback of Carse’s career.

In 2024, he was given a three-month ban for historical betting offences. He subsequently rebuilt his career and became an established member of England’s Test, ODI and T20I squads.

Since making his Test debut in October 2024, Carse has taken 58 wickets, more than any other England bowler during that period.

His omission from the Lord’s Test is unlikely to have a major impact on England’s starting XI, however, as Carse was not expected to play after being left out at Headingley. England are expected to retain their four frontline seamers from the opening Test.

Baker’s call-up therefore provides another opportunity for the young Hampshire fast bowler, who will now return to England’s Test setup for the second match of the Pakistan series.

When is England vs Pakistan’s second Test?

The second Test between England and Pakistan begins at Lord’s on Thursday, with England looking to respond after their heavy defeat in the opening match at Headingley.

Carse will remain unavailable for selection while the Cricket Regulator investigates the Derby incident.

FAQs

Why has Brydon Carse been removed from England’s squad?

Carse has been removed while the Cricket Regulator investigates an incident in Derby on Saturday night. Footage showed the England bowler in handcuffs outside a bar. He was released without being arrested or charged.

Who has replaced Brydon Carse in England’s squad?

Sonny Baker has replaced Carse in England’s squad for the second Test against Pakistan.

Did Brydon Carse play in the first Test against Pakistan?

No. Carse was part of England’s squad but was not selected for the first Test at Headingley. He was subsequently released to play for Durham against Derbyshire.

Where is the second England vs Pakistan Test being played?

The second Test is being played at Lord’s in London.

How many Test wickets has Brydon Carse taken for England?

Carse has taken 58 Test wickets since making his debut in October 2024. No England bowler has taken more Test wickets than him during that period.

What happened to Brydon Carse’s previous England ban?

Carse received a three-month ban in 2024 for historical betting offences. He subsequently returned to international cricket and established himself as an important member of England’s bowling attack.