England fast bowler Brydon Carse will face no further action from police after Derbyshire Police closed its investigation into an alleged assault in Derby last month.
The 31-year-old had been handcuffed outside Molly Malones in Derby in the early hours of August 23, when he was celebrating with Durham players following their County Championship victory over Derbyshire. Carse was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly before being de-arrested after officers recorded his details, as previously reported by cricexec.
Derbyshire Police said in a statement: “An investigation into reports of an assault in Derby city centre has been closed. Officers attended Molly Malones in The Wardwick, Derby, in the early hours of Sunday, 23 August. A man was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly and was then de-arrested after his details were taken by officers.”
Police subsequently pursued enquiries into the assault allegations. After identifying and speaking to the alleged victim, no further action was taken.
Cricket Regulator to consider Carse case
The end of the police investigation does not conclude the wider process surrounding Carse. The matter is now with the independent Cricket Regulator, which will assess whether his conduct raises a disciplinary issue.
Carse has continued playing domestic cricket for Durham during the period surrounding the investigation, helping the county secure the Division Two title in the County Championship.
His international career, however, has been interrupted since the Derby incident. He was removed from England’s squad ahead of the second Test against Pakistan and was subsequently absent from the third Test.
England leaves Carse out despite availability
Carse was available for England’s white-ball series against Sri Lanka but was not selected.
The England and Wales Cricket Board said in a statement: “Whilst Brydon was available for selection, he has not been picked for the Sri Lanka series squad. Given recent events, we feel it is important for him to work through the issues that led to the Derby incident and take time for a proper reset. This decision does not prejudge the outcome of any investigation.”
England White-ball Head Coach Brendon McCullum, speaking at a pre-match press conference ahead of the first T20I against Sri Lanka, said: “I’ve spoken to Carsey a lot and it’s the same message – you need to make good decisions off the field that allow you to be able to be the best version of yourself. As far as Carsey is concerned, it’s a good chance for him now to get his house in order and then push for selection for the next opportunity that arises.”
Root addressed Carse situation during Pakistan series
England Test Captain Joe Root also discussed Carse after the fast bowler was removed from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s.
Root said at his pre-match press conference: “I have 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. I’m sure when he gets his chance, he will say that himself.”
With the police process now closed without further action, the remaining development concerns the Cricket Regulator’s assessment of whether Carse has a disciplinary case to answer.
