Brook and Bethell Escape Major Punishment Over Night Out, Receive Final Warning

Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell have avoided major sanctions despite being found guilty over a late-night incident during England’s tour of New Zealand. England’s Cricket Regulator has issued them ‘caution notices’, effectively serving as a final warning.

The incident dates back to November last year in Wellington, where Brook was involved in drinking the night before the third ODI. He was also reportedly “clocked” by a bouncer while trying to enter a nightclub. Although the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) took disciplinary action at the time, it was not made public.

The matter only came to light more than two months later, following England’s defeat in the fifth Ashes Test in Sydney, through a media report. Initially, Brook claimed he had been alone, but later admitted that Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were with him, and that he had lied to protect his teammates.

The case was subsequently referred to the Cricket Regulator, which found that both Brook and Bethell had breached Clause 3.2 of the ECB’s Professional Conduct Regulations. The clause states that no player should engage in any conduct that is improper or that could bring the game into disrepute.

Both players have accepted the caution notices, meaning no formal charges have been filed. However, the notices will remain on their disciplinary record for the next three years.

Meanwhile, no further action has been taken against Josh Tongue, who was also involved in the incident.

England’s managing director Rob Key has expressed concern over some players’ alcohol consumption, stating that the team is trying to strike a balance. A midnight curfew was introduced ahead of the Sri Lanka tour and the T20 World Cup, and it is expected to remain in place going forward.

Brook, England’s Test vice-captain, is likely to play County Championship cricket for Yorkshire ahead of England’s series against New Zealand in June. Bethell, meanwhile, is currently playing in the IPL for Royal Challengers Bengaluru.