Harry Brook on last warning after pre-Ashes altercation with nightclub bouncer
The England vice captain was fined around $60,000 for the incident, which happened in Wellington during England’s white-ball tour of New Zealand immediately before the Ashes.
By Nick Hoult and Will Macpherson
January 8, 2026 — 7.00pm
England vice captain Harry Brook is on a final warning about his conduct after a late-night altercation with a bouncer just hours before captaining England on the tour that preceded the Ashes.
Brook was close to being sacked as captain of England’s white-ball team after an investigation by the team’s management into the incident, in which he was struck by a bouncer who would not allow him into a nightclub. Brook was fined about £30,000 ($60,000), the maximum amount possible by the ECB, for the incident.
England’s conduct during the Ashes, which started shortly after the tour to New Zealand, has been heavily criticised – in particular a mid-series holiday to Noosa where players, including Brook, were pictured drinking.
Ben Duckett was also filmed apparently drunk and disoriented late at night by an England fan.
It can now be revealed that Brook, England’s Test vice-captain, was already on a final warning for his behaviour before arriving in Australia.
The altercation occurred in Wellington on October 31 after the 26-year-old was refused entry to a nightclub because security suspected he was drunk. Brook became embroiled in a row with a bouncer and was struck, although he did not suffer any injury.
Harry Brook exchanges words with Australia’s Jake Weatherald at the SCG on Thursday.Credit: Getty Images
It is understood that Brook reported himself to management and there was no third-party complaint, but he was lucky to survive as captain considering the incident happened the night before a match.
The match in question was the third ODI at the Sky Stadium in Wellington, a day-nighter that started at 2pm. England slumped to 31 for four batting first with Brook out for six off 11 balls. They lost the match by two wickets, and were beaten 3-0 in the series.
An ECB spokesperson 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.”
He was fined the maximum amount allowed under the England central contract protocols, which is four per cent of the player’s retainer. For Brook, that would be about £30,000.
