England pacer Brydon Carse has opened up about the emotional toll of his past gambling ban and credited captain Ben Stokes for helping him revive his international cricket career.
A Breakthrough Season After a Setback
Brydon Carse has been making waves in Test cricket since his debut in October 2024. This success comes just months after he served a three-month ban for breaching the England and Wales Cricket Board’s (ECB) gambling regulations.
Carse, who turns 30 soon, has featured in four consecutive Test matches, including the recent Anderson-Tendulkar Trophy. His journey back into the national spotlight was significantly aided by the unwavering support of his skipper, Ben Stokes.
The Gambling Ban Revealed
Carse’s international career faced a major hurdle due to the three-month ban. The pacer was found to have placed 303 bets on matches he was not involved in, between 2017 and 2019.
Recalling the moment the information surfaced, Carse shared his immediate reaction with Michael Atherton on Sky Sports. “My heart sunk, trying to piece together what had happened six, seven years ago,” he stated.
Despite the initial shock, Carse views the experience as a crucial learning curve. He expressed deep regret but believes the process and the support he received from Durham and England have made him stronger, both on and off the field.
Ben Stokes: A Pivotal Figure
The relationship between Carse and Ben Stokes, both hailing from Durham county, has been instrumental in Carse’s recovery and return to form. Carse described Stokes as “certainly pivotal in everything that I’ve gone about on the field and off the field.”
He revealed that Stokes was one of the first people he called when the news broke. “He was brilliant,” Carse said, adding that they met for coffee the very next morning. Stokes offered honest advice, which Carse readily accepted, cementing their strong bond of friendship and respect.
Carse’s Impact on the Field
Since his return, Carse has become a reliable pace option for Stokes. He has already picked up nine wickets in the current series against India, showcasing his growing importance to the team.
Adding to his success, Carse also achieved his maiden Test fifty in the second innings of the Lord’s Test. This crucial knock helped England secure a narrow 22-run victory, highlighting his contributions with both bat and ball.
- Brydon Carse served a three-month ban for gambling on cricket matches he wasn’t playing in (2017-2019).
- He described his reaction to the surfacing ban as his “heart sunk” but views it as a learning experience.
- England captain Ben Stokes played a “pivotal” role in supporting Carse through his difficult period and back into the team.
- Carse has made a strong comeback, featuring in four consecutive Tests and contributing with both wickets and runs.
Carse’s story is a testament to resilience and the power of strong mentorship in overcoming professional challenges.
