England stars get 'slap on the wrist' over nightclub incident

England stars get 'slap on the wrist' over nightclub incident

England ODI captain Harry Brook and all-rounder Jacob ​Bethell have been given warnings by the independent Cricket Regulator after a probe into a fight ​with a nightclub bouncer in ⁠New Zealand late last ​year.

Brook, who admitted in ​January that he had lied to protect ‌his ⁠teammates, initially said he was alone in the altercation in Wellington after being denied entry ​into a nightclub.

Both players accepted they ​had breached standards. ESPN Cricinfo described the punishment as a "slap on the wrist".

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"No participant may conduct themself in a manner, do any act or make any omission at any time which is improper or which may be prejudicial to the interests of cricket or which may bring the ECB, the game of cricket or any cricketer or group of cricketers into disrepute," the finding read.

Bethell and Brook are on a final warning after they accepted the "caution notices".ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - DECEMBER 20: Harry Brook of England leaves the field after being bowled by Nathan Lyon of Australia during day four of the Third Test Match in the 2025-26 Ashes Series between Australia and England at Adelaide Oval on December 20, 2025 in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Gareth Copley/Getty Images)

The notice will remain on their disciplinary record for the next three years - but they will not be issued with a charge letter.

Fast bowler Josh Tongue was ​also present during the ​incident.

"No ⁠further action is to be taken ⁠in ​relation to Josh ​Tongue," the regulator added.

Managing director of the England Cricket, Rob Key, said after the review into the team's Ashes failure that he was concerned by the drinking habits of some players.

"Like a lot of teams, there's two or three players that can be irresponsible with alcohol given the opportunity," he said.

"What we're trying to do is try to find that happy medium."

Ahead of England's tour of Sri Lanka and the T20 World Cup earlier this year, management introduced a midnight curfew which is expected to remain in place throughout the European summer.