England fast bowler Carse to face no charges over alleged nightclub assault

Derbyshire Police have closed an investigation into reports of an assault in Derby city centre involving England fast bowler Brydon Carse. Officers attended Molly Malones in the Wardwick in the early hours of 23 August, and a man — later identified as Carse — was arrested on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly before being de-arrested after his details were recorded. Subsequent enquiries pursued allegations of assault, but after the alleged victim was identified and interviewed the force said no further action would be taken.

Video clips of Carse’s arrest circulated on social media showing him speaking with Durham team-mate Matthew Potts, and former England captain Ben Stokes was photographed nearby. The police statement confirmed the investigative steps taken but did not announce any charges.

Carse, who has taken 58 wickets in 14 Test matches, continues to face a separate disciplinary assessment by the Cricket Regulator, which will determine whether he has breached the sport’s rules. Following the incident, he was removed from England’s squad before the second Test against Pakistan and was also omitted from the final Test; he has not been selected for recent limited-overs matches despite being technically available.

At county level, Carse has continued to play for Durham, contributing as they secured the Second Division title in the County Championship. England’s limited-overs head coach Brendon McCullum and Test captain Joe Root have both commented on the wider issue of off-field behaviour, with McCullum urging players to make sound decisions away from the game and Root saying Carse appeared upset and apologetic about the episode.