Root 'hacked off' and disappointed over Carse nightclub incident ahead of second Test

England Test captain Joe Root did not hide his frustration at a news conference this week when addressing an incident involving fast bowler Brydon Carse, who has been dropped from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan, starting Thursday at Lord's.

Carse, 31, was briefly arrested and later de-arrested outside a bar in Derby on Saturday night, after images circulated on social media showing him in handcuffs. The England and Wales Cricket Board has referred the matter to the Cricket Regulator, and Sonny Baker has been called up as his replacement in the squad.

Carse was not on England duty when the incident happened, having been released to play for county side Durham, though he remains a centrally contracted England player. Also present were Durham and England team-mates Ben Stokes and Matthew Potts, both of whom hold central contracts as well.

Root said his first reaction on hearing the news was concern for Carse personally, adding that he has since spoken with him and found him upset and apologetic about his actions. The captain said his frustration stemmed less from this single incident and more from a pattern of what he called "stupid mistakes" off the field that keep overshadowing the team's on-field performances.

This marks the eighth instance in the past year of a centrally contracted England player being involved in or present at a late-night incident, following episodes involving Harry Brook in Wellington, Ben Duckett in Australia, and Stokes with Gus Atkinson in London.

Since taking over as Test captain, Root had removed the previous midnight curfew policy and said he still stands by that call, while acknowledging the team must now work to rebuild trust with supporters. He said responsibility for changing public perception lies with the players themselves and expressed hope the squad can avoid similar situations going forward.