England drop Carse from Test squad amid assault probe

Carse will not travel to Lord's for the second Test against Pakistan after the Cricket Regulator opened a formal investigation into an alleged assault that took place outside a Derby nightclub.

Police investigation

Derbyshire authorities said they are looking into “allegations of assault in Derby city centre”. No one has been charged and the probe remains active. The force initially reported that a man in his thirties was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, but he was released after agreeing to leave the area.

While a video showed officers detaining a figure believed to be Carse, officials have not confirmed his direct involvement. The England and Wales Cricket Board has yet to issue a public comment on the matter.

Team reaction

Test captain Joe Root expressed frustration at the recurring off‑field incidents that have plagued the England set‑up. “If I’m being brutally honest I’m really hacked off,” he said, adding that the pattern of “stupid mistakes away from the game” is distracting from on‑field goals.

“I’ve spoken to Brydon and when I first found out my first concern was him as a person. I don’t think I’m speaking out of turn in saying he’s very upset, very apologetic and understands his actions.”

Root’s comments come after former captain Ben Stokes and fellow seamer Matthew Potts were seen in the same footage, though neither is alleged to have taken part in any wrongdoing. Earlier this season, Root lifted a midnight curfew that had been imposed on Stokes following a separate incident.

Looking ahead

The investigation is ongoing, and any further findings could lead to additional disciplinary measures for Carse or other players. With the Test series about to begin, England will have to reshuffle its bowling options, potentially giving opportunities to other seamers in the squad.

How the case unfolds will likely influence the England team’s approach to player conduct policies and could set a precedent for future off‑field behaviour expectations.