England fast bowler Brydon Carse will face no charges after Derbyshire Police closed an investigation into an alleged assault in Derby city centre.
Police opened the investigation after an incident involving Carse and Durham teammates on August 23. Officers later confirmed that they had arrested the 31-year-old on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly. They took his details before releasing him.
Derbyshire Police said officers attended Molly Malones on Wardwick during the early hours of August 23. The force later investigated an alleged assault linked to the incident. However, police spoke to the alleged victim and decided to take no further action.
Cricket Regulator Still Investigating
The end of the police investigation does not close the matter for Carse. The Cricket Regulator continues to examine the incident.
The regulator will decide whether Carse has a case to answer under cricket’s disciplinary rules. That process remains separate from the police investigation.
Videos of Carse’s arrest appeared on social media after the incident. The footage showed him speaking with Durham teammate Matthew Potts. Former England captain Ben Stokes also appeared in the background.
Carse has continued playing for Durham since the incident. He helped the county win the Second Division title in the County Championship.
However, England left the fast bowler out of its recent squads. He missed the second and third Tests against Pakistan after the incident. England had already excluded him from the first Test on cricketing grounds.
Carse was also absent from the ongoing white-ball series against Sri Lanka. He remained officially available for selection, but England did not pick him.
McCullum Calls for Better Decisions
England limited-overs coach Brendon McCullum recently addressed the situation. He said players must understand their responsibilities away from cricket.
McCullum said he had spoken with Carse about the incident. He also urged the fast bowler to make better decisions off the field.
Carse has taken 58 wickets in 14 Test matches at an average of just over 30. His performances have made him an important option for England’s bowling attack.
The latest incident followed several alcohol-related controversies involving England players. Those incidents drew criticism after England’s difficult tour of New Zealand and Australia last year.
Joe Root Backs Carse to Learn From Incident
England Test captain Joe Root also discussed Carse before the Lord’s Test. Root said the bowler felt upset about what happened and had apologized.
Root added that Carse understood the seriousness of his actions. He expects the player to address the issue before seeking another England opportunity.
For now, the police case has ended without charges. The Cricket Regulator’s review, however, remains ongoing and could determine whether Carse faces disciplinary action within the sport.
