England fast bowler Brydon Carse faces no police action after Derby incident, but cricket regulator review remains ongoing
England fast bowler Brydon Carse will face no further action from police after an investigation into an alleged assault in Derby was closed, bringing the criminal inquiry into the incident to an end. The 31-year-old remains subject to cricketing scrutiny.
The incident occurred during the early hours of Sunday, 23 August, in Derby city centre, where police officers attended Molly Malones on The Wardwick following reports of an alleged assault. Carse was subsequently arrested during the incident.
Footage later circulated on social media showing Carse wearing handcuffs while surrounded by police officers. The footage was recorded during the early hours of that Sunday, prompting increased attention around the England international and his activities outside cricket.
Carse was initially arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, but was later de-arrested after officers took his details. Derbyshire Police subsequently confirmed that they were examining separate allegations of assault connected with the same incident.
In a statement released on Friday, Derbyshire Police confirmed that the investigation had now been closed. Officers said they had attended the Derby venue following reports of an assault, while confirming that Carse was arrested and later de-arrested.
“An investigation into reports of an assault in Derby city centre has been closed,” the police statement said. The force added that officers attended Molly Malones in The Wardwick during the early hours and dealt with a man at the scene.
The conclusion means Carse will not face further police action over the Derby incident. However, the England fast bowler’s involvement in the matter is not completely finished, with the Cricket Regulator expected to continue its own investigation.
The Cricket Regulator has not publicly commented on the latest development. The England and Wales Cricket Board and Carse have also been approached for comment regarding the closure of the police investigation and the continuing regulatory process.
The police development comes after Carse was removed from England’s squad for the second Test against Pakistan following the Derby incident. His absence became a significant talking point, particularly as England captain Joe Root publicly addressed the situation.
Root said he was “hacked off” after Carse was dropped from the second Test. The England captain also revealed that he had spoken to the team about the situation, making clear his feelings regarding the circumstances surrounding the incident.
Carse subsequently continued playing county cricket for Durham, despite his omission from England duty. However, he was left out of the England squad for the third Test against Pakistan and later missed the white-ball series against Sri Lanka.
When Carse was omitted from the Sri Lanka squads, the ECB confirmed that he remained available for selection. The governing body nevertheless said that the player needed to work through the issues surrounding the Derby incident before returning to international cricket.
“Whilst Brydon was available for selection, he has not been picked for the Sri Lanka series squad,” the ECB said in its statement. The board added that it considered a period of reflection important following recent events.
The ECB said it was important for Carse to work through the issues that had led to the Derby incident and take time for what it described as a proper reset. It also stressed that the decision did not prejudge the investigation’s outcome.
That distinction has become particularly relevant following Derbyshire Police’s decision to close the assault investigation. While the police process has ended without further action, the cricket authorities retain separate powers to examine conduct involving players and determine any potential disciplinary consequences.
Earlier this week, England white-ball coach Brendon McCullum also addressed Carse’s situation. McCullum said the fast bowler needed to “get his house in order” before he could return to international cricket, adding further context to England’s position.
Carse has been an important member of England’s bowling options across formats, combining pace with an aggressive style that has established him as a regular international player. His absence has therefore created another selection consideration for England’s coaching staff.
The Derby incident is also the latest alcohol-related controversy involving members of the England men’s team during the past year. The repeated off-field incidents have generated scrutiny around player conduct, particularly when England’s international schedule has been underway.
For Carse, however, the immediate police issue has now been resolved. Derbyshire Police’s decision removes the possibility of further police proceedings arising from the assault allegations, although the Cricket Regulator’s separate examination means the wider matter remains open.
Carse did not play in Durham’s match against Worcestershire earlier this week. The county said he was “unwell”, meaning his latest absence was not officially linked to either the police investigation or the continuing regulatory process.
The bowler’s international future will therefore depend partly on the outcome of the regulatory process and England’s assessment of his return. The ECB has already indicated that he remains available for selection, while making clear that recent events require consideration.
For now, the police investigation’s closure provides clarity over one aspect of the case, but it does not automatically end the disciplinary questions surrounding Carse. Cricket authorities will continue to consider the incident separately from the police process.
The developments leave Carse in a position where no further police action is expected, while his England prospects remain subject to decisions by cricket authorities. His return to international duty will depend on the continuing regulatory review and England’s selection decisions.