- Carse withdrawn from England squad over incident investigation in Derby.
- Footage showed Carse handcuffed, leading to Cricket Regulator inquiry.
- Sonny Baker replaces Carse amid England’s recent off-field controversies.
England fast bowler Brydon Carse has been withdrawn from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan after the Cricket Regulator confirmed an investigation into an incident in Derby on Saturday night.
The England and Wales Cricket Board referred the matter to the regulator after footage appeared on social media showing Carse in handcuffs outside a bar in Derby. The ECB has confirmed that Carse will not be available for selection while the investigation is ongoing and the full facts are established.
Brydon Carse Replaced By Sonny Baker
The ECB has replaced Carse in England’s squad with 23-year-old Sonny Baker, who has one Test appearance to his name.
Carse was released from England duty after being left out of the XI for the first Test against Pakistan. He travelled to Derby to represent Durham against Derbyshire in a County Championship fixture, with Durham securing victory on Saturday.
Later that night, footage emerged showing Carse in handcuffs outside a bar in Derby. It has not been confirmed why he was detained, although reports indicate that he was released without charge and was not arrested.
The incident occurred shortly before Carse was due to rejoin the England squad in London ahead of the second Test at Lord’s.
Durham teammate Matthew Potts was also visible in the footage, while former England captain Ben Stokes could reportedly be seen in the background.
England Face Another Off-Field Distraction
Carse’s withdrawal adds to a difficult run of off-field incidents involving England players this summer.
Stokes and Gus Atkinson previously missed England’s second Test against New Zealand after being involved in an incident at a London nightclub. Both players later received written warnings following an investigation.
England have also dealt with other controversies surrounding player conduct away from the field in recent months. The team’s curfew and guidelines around alcohol consumption were subsequently relaxed after Joe Root took over as captain.
Ahead of the Pakistan series, Root acknowledged the importance of England players maintaining high standards away from cricket.
“You always want to represent your country in the best possible light,” Root said.
Carse’s England Career Faces Another Setback
The latest development is particularly significant for Carse given his journey back into England’s setup.
The Durham seamer previously received a three-month ban in 2024 for historical betting offences. He subsequently established himself as an important member of England’s pace attack across formats.
Since making his Test debut in October 2024, Carse has taken 58 wickets, the most by an England bowler during that period.
Carse was unlikely to feature in England’s XI for the second Test, having not played in the opening match at Headingley. However, his removal leaves the squad without an established pace-bowling option and gives Baker another opportunity at international level.
England will now prepare for the second Test against Pakistan without Carse as the Cricket Regulator investigates the Derby incident and determines the next course of action.
