England white-ball captain Harry Brook has admitted supporters have “every right to be annoyed” after he was punched by a nightclub bouncer during England’s tour of New Zealand ahead of the Ashes.
The incident took place in Wellington on 1 November, the night before the third ODI, which England went on to lose. Although Brook was fined and given a final warning, the matter only became public more than two months later, after England’s Ashes defeat in Sydney.
Brook accepts mistake
Brook apologised to fans, team-mates and England bosses, calling it a “terrible mistake”. He admitted putting himself in a situation he should have avoided.
“I’m extremely sorry to all the supporters. I’ve got to regain their trust on and off the field,” he said. “I’ll be more professional going forward.”
Despite being England’s second-highest run-scorer in Australia with 358 runs, Brook admitted he did not perform at his best and passed fifty only twice.
What really happened
Brook clarified he was alone when the incident occurred and had gone out after dinner. He said he had “one too many drinks” and was struck by a bouncer while trying to enter a club.
He reported the matter to team management during the match the next day and was later fined around £30,000. Brook admitted he feared losing the captaincy but never considered resigning.
Noosa trip backlash
England faced criticism after players were seen drinking in Noosa during the Ashes. Brook defended the group, rejecting claims of a drinking culture.
“We were drinking responsibly, bar one situation,” he said. “We weren’t getting leathered every day.”
However, following the controversy, England have now introduced a midnight curfew for players and staff.
Focus shifts to Sri Lanka
Brook is currently leading England in their white-ball series against Sri Lanka in Colombo. He says the curfew was a group decision aimed at improving performances.
“I just want to be back playing as good cricket as possible,” Brook added.
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