England fast bowler Brydon Carse will not face criminal charges after Derbyshire Police closed their investigation into an alleged assault in Derby city centre last month. He was arrested during a night out with his Durham teammates before being released, while police later investigated a separate assault allegation.
Carse was dropped from the squad for the remainder of the Test series against Pakistan after initially travelling with the team for the first Test. He was then left out of the ongoing white-ball series against Sri Lanka, with England coach Brendon McCullum saying the fast bowler needed to address his off-field issues.
Derbyshire Police Close Investigation Into Brydon Carse Incident
The incident took place outside Molly Malones on August 23, when Brydon Carse was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly before being de-arrested after officers recorded his details.
Videos later emerged on social media showing Carse in handcuffs outside the venue. Police then opened a separate investigation into an alleged assault but confirmed that the alleged victim did not want to make a complaint. Carse was never arrested over that allegation, and police have taken no further action.
“An investigation into reports of an assault in Derby city centre has been closed,” Derbyshire Police said in a statement.
Brydon Carse Faces Cricket Regulator Investigation After England Omission
The end of the police investigation does not close the matter for Brydon Carse. The Cricket Regulator will now examine the incident and could determine whether any disciplinary action is required under cricket’s regulations.
Carse is also under an England and Wales Cricket Board central contract that runs until September 30, 2027. The incident had already affected his international career.
He was removed from England’s squad for the remainder of the Test series against Pakistan after initially travelling with the team for the first Test at Headingley. England went on to complete a 3-0 series win without him.
England Test captain Joe Root said he was “hacked off” by the situation ahead of the second Test at Lord’s. White-ball head coach Brendon McCullum later said Carse needed to “get his house in order” and work through the issues before returning to the England setup.
Brydon Carse Misses Sri Lanka Series After Derby Incident
Brydon Carse was also left out of England’s squads for the ongoing T20I and ODI series against Sri Lanka despite being available for selection. The ECB said he needed to work through the issues surrounding the Derby incident and take time for a proper reset.
“Whilst Brydon was available for selection, he has not been picked for the Sri Lanka series squad,” said an ECB statement. “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.”
The fast bowler continued playing for Durham after the incident and was part of their County Championship campaign. Durham secured promotion from Division Two, but Carse was unavailable for their final-round match against Worcestershire after being reported unwell.
He was also absent from the team photograph when Durham lifted the Division Two trophy at Chester-le-Street on Friday. With the police investigation now closed, the focus will shift to the Cricket Regulator and England’s decision on when Carse can return to international cricket.
