Carse's England future unresolved as ECB names 39 contracted players

Brydon Carse's return to international cricket remains dependent on an ongoing disciplinary case, Rob Key said as England announced a 39-player contract list on Monday. According to BBC Sport, the England director of cricket believes the Durham fast bowler could play for his country again, depending on the outcome of the Cricket Regulator process.

Watch the highlights:

Carse was arrested and then de-arrested following an incident outside a Derby nightclub in August. Derbyshire Police subsequently took no action over assault allegations, the BBC reported. The Cricket Regulator has separately charged him with breaching ECB professional conduct rules. He remains available for selection but has taken time away from international cricket since the incident.

The 31-year-old's existing two-year agreement runs until autumn 2027. Key said the absence of an extension did not mean England had ruled out his return. Before the Derby incident, Carse had been sidelined by a wrist injury and had not represented England since the Ashes in January, according to the BBC.

The wider announcement covers 30 central contracts and nine development agreements for the 2026/27 season, the International Cricket Council confirmed. Eleven players have two-year deals running to 30 September 2028, including Joe Root, Harry Brook and Jofra Archer. Sonny Baker has been upgraded to a two-year agreement, while Jordan Cox and Henry Crocombe have also secured contracts of that length.

Seven players have received central contracts for the first time: Tom Banton, Sam Cook, Cox, Crocombe, Emilio Gay, Matthew Fisher and Dan Lawrence. Ollie Robinson returns after previously holding deals in 2022 and 2023. Thomas Rew, 18, is the youngest player on the list and one of six first-time recipients of development contracts.

England also confirmed coaching appointments alongside the player agreements. Stephen Fleming's Test staff will comprise Richard Dawson, Marcus Trescothick, James Foster and Eric Simons. Brendon McCullum's white-ball group includes Sarah Taylor, Jeetan Patel and Tim Southee, with Kevin Pietersen serving as a specialist mentor, the ICC reported. Dawson will additionally oversee the national spin-bowling programme.