England Drops Fast Bowler Brydon Carse From Second Test Squad Over Club Incident Investigation

England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been removed from the squad for the upcoming second Test against Pakistan while an ongoing investigation takes place regarding an incident at a club in Derby, according to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB).

In an official statement released on Monday, the board explained that the Cricket Regulator confirmed it would investigate events that transpired on Saturday night in Derby following a referral from the ECB. Consequently, Brydon Carse will remain unavailable for selection for the second men’s test until the investigation concludes and all facts are established.

Carse, who did not feature in the opening test victory at Headingley, will have his place in the squad taken by Sonny Baker. Social media footage recently emerged showing the Durham bowler being spoken to by police officers outside a venue, though reports indicate he was neither arrested nor charged.

This marks another inquiry for the Cricket Regulator this summer, following a June investigation into former test captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson after a nightclub incident against New Zealand. Both players were initially omitted from the second test before the regulator found insufficient evidence of a regulatory breach.

The latest development arises just days after returning test captain Joe Root emphasized the importance of players serving as strong role models amidst discussions surrounding team culture and off-field conduct.