England’s cricketers are developing a reputation, though not for sporting prowess. Despite dominating the Pakistanis at Headingley, the humiliation of last winter’s Ashes and a summer thrashing at the hands of the Kiwis loom large in the Barmy Army’s memories. But off the pitch, the England squad are making a name for themselves as some of the sport’s most revered hellraisers.

Dealing with adults as though they are teenagers on a school trip is no way to treat a nation’s sportsmen

Dealing with adults as though they are teenagers on a school trip is no way to treat a nation’s sportsmen

A mere ten days after Joe Root – in his first act as returning England Test captain – ditched the curfew imposed on the squad following negative press about Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson’s nightclub antics, another player is in the doghouse. Out on the razz in Derby last Saturday, fast bowler Brydon Carse was filmed by a member of the public handcuffed by police. The Telegraph reports that it was due to a spat over a spilled drink, and that the 6-foot-3-inch Carse was apprehended because of his size. The player’s Durham County teammates Ben Stokes (not unfamiliar with late-night argy-bargy) and Matthew Potts were also present.

Carse has now been dropped from the England squad. Frothing commentators are out for........

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