In a statement released following England’s 11-run T20I victory over Sri Lanka, the 26-year-old admitted that teammates Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were indeed present when he was "clocked" by a bouncer in Wellington on October 31. Brook claimed his initial deception was a misguided attempt to "protect" his fellow players from the fallout.
The incident occurred on the eve of the third ODI against New Zealand; a match England lost tamely. While Brook had previously insisted he "took it upon himself" to go out alone after a group session, a report by The Telegraph forced his hand, revealing that both Bethell and Tongue are currently being investigated by the Cricket Regulator.
I accept responsibility for my actions in Wellington and acknowledge that others were present that evening. 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 decisionsHarry Brook, England Captain
The timing of the admission is particularly awkward as England prepares for the 2026 T20 World Cup next week. While the ECB handled the matter through a "confidential disciplinary process" in November, the details only surfaced following England’s 1-4 Ashes drubbing in Australia.
Financial penalty: Brook has already been handed the maximum fine of £30,000 and a final warning regarding his conduct.
The cricket regulator: An independent report is being prepared by Chris Haward (former chief constable), who has the power to issue further fines or suspensions.
Leadership crisis: Brook acknowledged that the episode has dented the squad's trust. "I’d have been perfectly fine with getting sacked as captain... I’ve got a little bit of work to do to regain that trust," he admitted.
The Wellington brawl, combined with reports of off-field behaviour during the Ashes, has prompted the ECB to enforce a midnight curfew for the squad during the current subcontinent tour.
| Detail | The Wellington Incident |
|---|---|
| Date | October 31, 2025 |
| Players Involved | Harry Brook, Jacob Bethell, Josh Tongue |
| Immediate Consequence | £30,000 fine (Brook), Final Warning |
| Current Status | Under investigation by the Cricket Regulator |
| On-Field Form | Brook hit 136* (ODI) and 16* (T20I) this week |