England star issues grovelling apology for ’embarrassing’ altercation with bouncer

Harry Brook has apologised for his involvement in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer during England’s tour of New Zealand.

The Telegraph reported that England’s white-ball captain was hit by the bouncer after being refused entry to a club on October 31, the night before his country’s third ODI in Wellington.

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Under Brook’s leadership in New Zealand, England fell to a 3-0 series defeat in their final tour before the Ashes.

The 26-year-old has now been given a final warning about his conduct, and fined around £30,000.

Despite the hefty punishment, Brook, who is also England’s Test vice-captain, has been retained as white-ball captain.

News of the off-the-field incident came just hours after Australia sealed a 4-1 series victory in the fifth and final Test in Sydney.

It is the latest piece of unwanted attention for Brenden McCullum’s side, who also came under scrutiny over a mid-series break in Noosa, where players are alleged to have been drinking heavily.

Brook apologises ‘unreservedly’ for actions

After news broke of the incident, Brook released a statement apologising for his behaviour.

He wrote: “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.

“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.

“I have reflected on the lessons it has taught me about responsibility, professionalism and the standards expected of those representing your country.

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“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.”

A statement from the ECB 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.”

England were well beaten by New Zealand in the ODI series, while Brook was dismissed for six in the final match, the day after his clash with the bouncer.

On the same night, he and teammate Jacob Bethell were filmed drinking, with the clip then shared on social media.

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Before the fourth Ashes Test, England director of cricket Rob Key revealed he had spoken to Brook and Bethell about their behaviour in New Zealand, while at the same time confirming he would investigate England’s drinking in Noosa.

Key said “I didn’t feel like that was worthy of formal warnings, but it was probably worthy of informal ones.”

Despite the debacle, Brook will still lead England in the forthcoming T20 World Cup and the limited-overs series in Sri Lanka, beginning in two weeks’ time.

This will be his first major tournament since being named white-ball captain in April of last year.

The Yorkshire county player performed well below his best in the Ashes, scoring 358 runs in 10 innings without a century.

Brook will travel home on Friday following the conclusion of England’s crushing 4-1 series defeat.