England Test captain Joe Root has expressed fierce frustration after another off-field controversy overshadowed the team, according to AFP and Al Jazeera. Fast bowler Brydon Carse was dropped from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan following an incident at a Derby nightclub.
Videos circulating on social media appeared to show Carse being led away by police in handcuffs on Saturday. The player has now been formally referred to the Cricket Regulator.
Root addressed the media on Tuesday ahead of the upcoming match at Lord`s. He admitted to feeling thoroughly disgruntled that stupid mistakes away from the game continue to detract from the team`s on-field success.
The latest episode adds to a troubling pattern of alcohol-related controversies that have plagued the squad over recent months. White-ball captain Harry Brook and opening batsman Ben Duckett both faced scrutiny for separate nightclub incidents during previous tours.
Despite the recurring behavioral issues, Root confirmed he will not reintroduce a mandatory player curfew. He argued that institutional culture must be player-driven rather than enforced through restrictive rules.
England secured a dominant victory in the first Test of the series last week. The second match is scheduled to begin on Thursday as the team attempts to refocus on cricket.
