England vice-captain Harry Brook received a “final warning” and a fine of approximately £30,000 (AU$60,000) prior to the Ashes series. This disciplinary action followed an incident where Brook was reportedly struck by a nightclub bouncer while intoxicated, the night before an One Day International (ODI) against New Zealand.
Incident Details
The event occurred during England's pre-Ashes tour of New Zealand. Brook was observed with teammates, including Jacob Bethell and Gus Atkinson, the night before an ODI at Wellington’s Sky Stadium. Reports indicate that Brook was denied entry to a nightclub due to suspected intoxication and subsequently had an altercation with a security guard, resulting in him being struck. Brook did not sustain injuries.
Brook self-reported the incident to team management. No third-party complaint was filed. He maintained his leadership roles as white-ball captain and Test vice-captain.
Disciplinary Action and Statement
The fine issued was the maximum possible under England central contract protocols, representing four percent of the player's retainer. An ECB spokesperson confirmed the incident was handled through a formal and confidential disciplinary process, stating that the player had apologised and acknowledged his conduct was below expectations.
In a statement, Brook acknowledged his actions were incorrect and caused embarrassment to himself and the England team. He expressed deep regret for letting down teammates, coaches, and supporters, and affirmed his commitment to learning from the mistake and rebuilding trust.
Match Performance and Ashes Series
The day after the incident, Brook scored 6 runs from 11 balls in the ODI against New Zealand, a match England lost by two wickets. During the subsequent Ashes series, Brook recorded two half-centuries across 10 innings.