In a dramatic twist, Harry Brook, skipper of England’s white-ball side, has owned up to fibbing about a explosive nightclub brawl. The confession came after England clinched a T20 win against Sri Lanka, pulling back the curtain on off-field dramas plaguing the team.

Rewinding to Halloween night in Wellington – the eve of their last ODI versus New Zealand – Brook had insisted he argued solo with security. New reports forced his hand, leading to the truth: teammates were indeed present, and he took the hit to spare them trouble.

Reflecting deeply, Brook said, ‘I’m accountable for what happened in Wellington, and yes, others were around that night. I regret not being upfront earlier. I didn’t want my choices to implicate the team. Apologies are in place, and this challenging chapter is teaching me valuable lessons.’

The ECB didn’t hold back, slapping a €30,000 penalty and a stern final warning on Brook. This unfolds against England’s rocky backdrop, including an Ashes thrashing Down Under that amplified concerns over extracurricular antics.

From pre-Ashes partying in Nusa to incriminating clips of Duckett and Carse indulging in vapes and revelry, off-pitch lapses have snowballed. The board’s response? Tighter rules to enforce responsibility.

Brook’s reversal underscores a critical message for English cricket: professionalism extends beyond boundaries. As the team navigates these hurdles, restoring discipline could be key to future success.