England captain Harry Brook and team-mate Jacob Bethell have been formally warned over a nightclub incident in New Zealand, with cricket authorities taking disciplinary action for breaches of player conduct rules.
The Cricket Regulator, an independent body overseeing discipline in English cricket, confirmed on Wednesday that both players had received official cautions following the incident during England’s tour last year.
The case relates to an altercation involving Brook and a security guard at a nightclub in Wellington on the eve of a one-day international on November 1.
Brook was initially fined £30,000 by the England and Wales Cricket Board and issued a final warning after the incident came to light two months later.
He had originally claimed he was alone during the incident but later admitted that Jacob Bethell and fast bowler Josh Tongue were also present. Brook said he had provided false information in an attempt to protect his team-mates and subsequently issued a public apology.
The Cricket Regulator said both Brook and Bethell accepted they had breached professional conduct regulations, leading to the caution notices.
No disciplinary action was taken against Josh Tongue, who was not part of the one-day international squad at the time.
Despite the controversy, both Brook and Bethell played in the match the following day, which England lost by two wickets, completing a 3-0 series defeat to New Zealand.
The incident has added to wider scrutiny of England’s off-field behaviour in recent months. The team faced criticism during the Ashes series in Australia, where concerns were raised over preparation, team management and a perceived drinking culture.
Images and videos circulated on social media showed players spending extended periods in social settings during the tour, further fuelling debate around discipline and professionalism within the squad.
England went on to lose the Ashes series 4-1, although senior figures including Test captain Ben Stokes, head coach Brendon McCullum and director of men’s cricket Rob Key retained their positions following a review by the England and Wales Cricket Board.
Brook later led England in the T20 World Cup, where the team reached the semi-finals before being eliminated by India in Mumbai.
Cricket authorities said the latest action reflects the need to uphold professional standards, particularly among senior players, as England prepares for upcoming international competitions.
