England and Durham bowler Brydon Carse banned for historic betting offences

England and Durham bowler Brydon Carse has been suspended from cricket for three months for historic breaches of betting rules, effective immediately.

The South Africa-born England international, 28, will be allowed to train and will return to action for the final four games of the season.

Carse accepted the decision for placing 303 bets on various cricket matches, and said he wants to repay Durham for their support.

“Whilst these bets were several years ago, that is no excuse and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he said.

“I would like to thank the ECB [England and Wales Cricket Board], Durham Cricket and the PCA [Professional Cricketers Association] for their support during this difficult time for me.

“I will be working hard in the next 12 weeks to ensure that I repay that support on the field when I am able to return to playing.”

The charges relate to bets made between 2017 and 2019 and did not involve any Carse played in. Professional participants in cricket are not permitted to bet on the sport anywhere in the world, according to betting integrity rules.

He has been banned for a total of 16 months, but 13 have been suspended for two years and will be free to return to playing on 28 August.

Carse has played for Durham since 2016 and has played in 14 ODIs and three T20 internationals for England.

The Cricket Regulator accepted Carse had shown “considerable remorse” for his actions.

“The Cricket Regulator takes any breach of integrity or misconduct rules seriously and I would encourage any participant, from within the professional game, who has gambled on cricket to come forward and not wait to be discovered,” said Dave Lewis, interim director of the Cricket Regulator.

“The Cricket Regulator understands the many challenges participants can face and will handle cases fairly, with understanding and support for anyone who wishes to come forward.

“We also encourage any participant struggling with any welfare concerns to seek assistance from the PCA or other trusted professional source.”