Nightclub episode: Harry Brook admits hiding truth to protect teammates

NEW DELHI: England white-ball captain Harry Brook has admitted he still has “more to learn” about his responsibilities away from the field after initially withholding details of a nightclub altercation in Wellington last October to shield his teammates.


Brook had earlier claimed he was alone when he was struck by a bouncer. However, it later emerged that Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were also with him on the night, though Brook chose to shoulder the blame himself.



Following England’s win in the opening T20I against Sri Lanka on Friday, Brook issued a statement reiterating the apology he had already made earlier in the tour.

"I accept responsibility for my actions in Wellington and acknowledge that others were present that evening," Brook said.

"I regret my previous comments and my intention was to protect my teammates from being drawn into a situation that arose as a result of my own decisions.

"I recognise that I have more to learn regarding the off-field responsibilities that come with leadership and captaincy. I remain committed to developing in this area and to improving both personally and professionally," he added.

The three players are currently being investigated by the Cricket Regulator over the incident, which took place on the eve of England’s third ODI against New Zealand in October.

Brook has already been handed the maximum fine of £30,000 and issued a final warning concerning his conduct away from the game.

Speaking in Colombo last week, Brook acknowledged that the episode had dented trust within the squad and said he was working to rebuild it.

"We went out for a couple of drinks beforehand and then I took it upon myself to go out for a few more and I was on my own there," Brook had said.

"I was trying to get into a club and the bouncer just clocked me, unfortunately. Like I said, I shouldn't have been in that situation from the start... I wasn't absolutely leathered, I'd had one too many drinks.

"I have apologised and will continue to reflect on the matter. This has been a challenging period in my career, but one from which I am learning."



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