England Test captain Joe Root has admitted he is “really hacked off and disappointed” following the news that fast bowler Brydon Carse is under investigation for an incident outside a Derby nightclub. The controversy has resulted in Carse being withdrawn from the England squad ahead of the second Test against Pakistan, which is scheduled to begin this Thursday, August 27.
The Cricket Regulator is currently investigating the matter following a referral from the ECB, prompted by social media footage that appeared to show Carse in handcuffs. In response to the vacancy, Sonny Baker has been called up to the squad. Carse had previously been released to play for Durham in the County Championship after failing to make the final XI for the first Test, where England secured an innings and 103-run victory over Pakistan.
Speaking at a press conference on Tuesday, August 25, Root expressed his frustration that the team is once again dealing with off-field distractions. “If I’m being brutally honest, I’m really hacked off, I’m really disappointed,” the captain stated. “After last week’s performance, we’re sat here and we’re talking about something that is not related to it at all.”
Root confirmed he has spoken with the bowler, noting that his initial concern was for Carse’s personal well-being. He described the player as being “very upset” and “very apologetic” regarding his actions. However, the captain emphasized that the issue extends beyond this specific event, pointing to a recurring pattern of “stupid mistakes” that detract from the team’s professional efforts on the field.
The incident has intensified scrutiny regarding the England team’s drinking culture, a topic recently labeled as “embedded” by former captain Ben Stokes. While Root has opted against implementing midnight curfews, preferring to treat his players as responsible adults, he acknowledged that the recent string of headlines has not been “a good look” for the side.
This latest development follows a June incident involving Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson, which led to one-game suspensions for both players. Following that event, Stokes retired from international cricket, leading to Root’s return to the captaincy. Addressing the public perception of the team, Root admitted he understands why they are viewed in a critical light at present.
“It’s our responsibility to change that,” Root said, noting that the dressing room environment remains impressive despite these external issues. He concluded that the path forward for the team involves taking personal accountability to avoid such situations entirely. “I just think, if we don’t put ourselves in certain situations, it’s not something we will have to worry about,” he added. The report also notes that the incident is said to have taken place in the aftermath of their win over Derbyshire last week.
