'Harry was trying to look after his mates'

MCCULLUM BACKS BROOK & CO OVER ‘MISTAKE’ AT NIGHTCLUB

- FROM SCOTT HUNT in Kandy

BRENDON MCCULLUM has branded the criticism of England's behaviour as “out of order” as he launched a staunch defence of Harry Brook.

News emerged at the end of the 4-1 series defeat in the Ashes last month that white-ball captain Brook had been involved in an altercation with a nightclub bouncer on the preceding tour of New Zealand.

Brook began the tour of Sri Lanka by apologising and insisted he was alone, but then had to release a statement to admit that was not true after it transpired that Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue were also fined.

The incident has dominated the trip to Sri Lanka and there has been fierce criticism of Brook and the management for attempting to cover up all players involved.

But head coach McCullum said: "I don't think there was any need to release the details until it was obviously found in the media.