English cricketer Harry Brook has apologised for his behaviour. Photo: AFP / Oli Scarff
England's Harry Brook issued an apology saying he was "deeply sorry" for an altercation at a New Zealand nightclub ahead of the Ashes.
Brook's statement on Thursday (local time) came just after England's sorry Ashes concluded in Sydney, with defeat in the fifth Test giving Australia a dominant 4-1 series victory.
The Daily Telegraph reported that Brook, the limited-overs skipper and vice-captain of the Test side in Australia, was involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer on 31 October.
England lost to hosts New Zealand the next day in the third ODI in Wellington with Brook scoring six.
England’s Harry Brook. Game 1 of the ODI cricket series between New Zealand and England at Bay Oval in Mt Maunganui. Photo: Andrew Cornaga/www.photosport.nz
The 26-year-old Brook was fined £30,000 (NZ$70,000) after reporting the incident to team management and was given a final warning about his behaviour, the newspaper said.
"I want to apologise for my actions. I fully accept that my behaviour was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team," he said in a statement.
"Representing England is the greatest honour of all, which I take seriously and I am deeply sorry for letting down my team-mates, coaches and supporters."
He added: "I am determined to learn from this mistake and to rebuild trust through my future actions, both on and off the field. I apologise unreservedly and will work hard to ensure this does not happen again."
The England and Wales Cricket Board has launched an immediate review into the Ashes defeat, with off-field behaviour one of its priorities following a team drinking session during the series.
The ECB said it was aware of the incident and that it had been dealt with through a formal and confidential disciplinary process.
"The player involved has apologised and acknowledged their conduct fell below expectations on this occasion," it added in a statement.
ECB chief executive Richard Gould said the governing body had already begun a "thorough review" of their Ashes campaign, which ended on Thursday with defeat in the fifth test in Sydney.
"This will cover tour planning and preparation, individual performance and behaviours, and our ability to adapt and respond effectively as circumstances require," he added.
- AFP/Reuters
