Harry Brook apologises for New Zealand nightclub altercation 'embarrassment' but keeps captaincy despite receiving final behaviour warning
Published 08/01/2026 at 09:00 GMT
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The culture surrounding England's cricketers has been pulled into sharp focus once again as Harry Brook described his behaviour as an 'embarrassment' after he was involved in an incident with a bouncer at a nightclub ahead of last year's third one-day international against New Zealand in Wellington. Brook was fined but will keep his white-ball captaincy and has been given a final warning.
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England’s white-ball cricket captain Harry Brook has apologised after being involved in an altercation with a bouncer at a nightclub during the 2025 tour of New Zealand.
The incident happened the night before the third one-day international in Wellington, with The Telegraph reporting that Brook was "struck" by a bouncer after being refused entry to the club.
It is the latest blot on the image of England’s cricketers, with the revelation coming in the aftermath of their 4-1 NRMA Insurance men’s Ashes series defeat to Australia.
During the series down under, England faced scrutiny over the culture within the squad - with players seen heavily drinking in Noosa between the second and third Tests.
Brook has released a statement in relation to the incident in New Zealand.
"I want to apologise for my actions.
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'We just haven’t been good enough' - Brook admits there is work to do for England
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"I fully accept that my behaviour was wrong and brought embarrassment to both myself and the England team," he wrote.
Brook lasted just 11 balls the following day as he was dismissed for six runs in a top order collapse which contributed to a two-wicket defeat.
The victory in Wellington saw New Zealand wrap up a 3-0 series clean sweep.
"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," Brook continued in his statement.
"I have reflected on the lessons it has taught me about responsibility, professionalism and the standards expected of those representing your country.
"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."
Brook - who will captain England in the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup next month - is reportedly on a final warning regarding his conduct.
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'He'll be livid' - Key partnership broken as Brook caught on 84
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He has been fined around £30,000 but was not stripped of the captaincy.
A statement from the England and Wales Cricket Board said: "We are aware of this incident and it has been dealt with through a formal and confidential ECB disciplinary process.
"The player involved has apologised and acknowledged their conduct fell below expectations on this occasion."
As well as leading the white-ball side, Brook is also vice-captain of the England Test team.
He failed to prevent a 4-1 Ashes hammering at the hands of Australia - which ended with a five-wicket defeat in Sydney in the final match of the series.
Like the majority of England’s batters, Brook failed to deliver high scores down under.
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He made just two half centuries in his ten innings during the series, with 84 in the final Test proving his best score of the tour.
Brook will be hoping for an upturn in form when he leads England into the T20 World Cup.
They start against Nepal in Mumbai on Sunday, February 8, before further Group C matches against West Indies (February 11), Bangladesh (February 14) and Italy (February 16).
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