ECB investigate alleged Jonny Bairstow 'headbutt' of Cameron Bancroft ahead of Ashes
Sunday 26 November 2017 17:30, UK
The England and Wales Cricket Board has spoken to Jonny Bairstow regarding an alleged incident in Perth, after reports he headbutted Cameron Bancroft.
Australian reports claimed England wicket-keeper Bairstow's head connected with the side of Bancroft's face at a bar in Perth four weeks ago after the team arrived in the city for the Ashes tour on October 29.
The ECB confirmed it was made aware of "allegations of an incident" at the close of play in Brisbane on Sunday.
"There has been no report of any incident from the venue, security or police and there was no injury reported," an ECB statement read.
"Following an initial conversation with Jonny Bairstow tonight we understand the context and will follow up with England players and management after the Brisbane Test."
Test debutant Bancroft, 25, has been part of the Australia side which needs just 56 more to win the first Ashes Test, closing on 114-0 on Sunday after bowling England out for 195 at the Gabba.
Bairstow, 28, is a key member of England's side, having played in 45 matches since making his international debut in 2012.
England's tour has already come under controversy, with Ben Stokes having been left at home as he awaits the outcome of a police investigation into his arrest on suspicion of causing actual bodily harm during an incident in Bristol in September.
