Derbyshire police are conducting an investigation into allegations of assault linked to the arrest of England cricketer Brydon Carse last weekend. The inquiry follows an incident in Derby city centre in the early hours of Sunday morning outside Molly Malone’s Irish Tavern involving Carse and other Durham players, including former England captain Ben Stokes.
Police confirmed that Carse was briefly detained on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly but was subsequently released without charge. However, the force stated on Wednesday that the investigation into alleged assault remains active, with no arrests made to date. It is not yet clear whether Carse is directly implicated in the alleged assault.
The incident has drawn significant attention after footage circulated showing Carse in handcuffs outside the venue shortly before 4 a.m. The video was reportedly recorded after Carse was refused re-entry to the bar following a dispute with a member of the public who had spilled a drink on him. Carse had left the bar prior to the arrest.
In response to the arrest, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) announced that Carse would be withdrawn from the England squad for the second Test against Pakistan this week. The fast bowler had returned to county cricket with Durham after missing the first Test at Headingley.
Carse remains unavailable for national selection pending the outcome of an independent inquiry by the Cricket Regulator. With the police investigation ongoing and the disciplinary process yet to commence, Carse’s return to the England side could face delays. He is, however, set to play for Durham in an upcoming County Championship match against Gloucestershire.
England Test captain Joe Root addressed the situation during a press conference at Lord’s on Tuesday. Root expressed disappointment over the incident, acknowledging Carse’s regret and apologetic stance but emphasising frustration at recurring off-field issues. “If I’m being brutally honest, I’m really hacked off, I’m really disappointed,” Root said. “I’ve spoken to Brydon, and when I first found out my main concern was him as a person. I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn by saying he’s very upset, very apologetic and understands his actions.”
This episode adds to a series of alcohol-related disruptions involving England players over the past eight months. Since November, eight players, including Stokes and white-ball captain Harry Brook, have been involved in various incidents linked to off-field behaviour. Root recently lifted a midnight curfew that had been imposed by team management, advocating trust in players to manage their conduct as adults. Nonetheless, he noted these repeated lapses are detracting from the team’s performances on the pitch.