ECB launches investigation as Joe Root, James Anderson seen in post Ashes booze party at Hobart hotel

As per the latest development, ECB has launched an investigation on the early-morning drinking session at England’s team hotel in Hobart. Following Australia’s 4-0 triumph in the recently-concluded Ashes series, the likes of Joe Root and James Anderson alongside three Australia players – Nathan Lyon, Travis Head and Alex Carey – were seen enjoying drinks following the late-night conclusion of the fifth Test at Bellerive Oval the previous evening.

The gathering, which took place in a public area in Hobart’s Crowne Plaza Hotel, got extended to 6 in the morning. Subsequently, the police officials were brought in following a noise complaint from fellow guests. The players then left the area immediately.

No further action against players will be taken by police

“Tasmania Police attended the Crowne Plaza Hobart on Monday morning after reports were made of intoxicated people in a function area. The guests were spoken to by police, just after 6:00am, and left the area when asked. No further action will be taken by police,” a police statement read.

In the footage of the incident, a female police officer can be heard saying to the group: “Too loud. You have obviously been asked to pack up, so we’ve been asked to come. Time for bed, thank you. They just want to pack up.” Meanwhile, the footage seemed to have filmed by England’s assistant coach Graham Thorpe.

In his voiceover, Thorpe can be heard saying, “We’ve got Nathan Lyon, Root, there’s Carey and Anderson. I’ll just video this for the lawyers. See you in the morning, everyone.” Meanwhile, a ECB spokesperson said the board would investigate the incident, with the focus likely to be on how the footage came out in public.

“During the early hours of Monday morning, members of the England and Australia men’s teams shared a drink in the team areas of the hotel in Hobart. The hotel management received a noise complaint by a hotel guest, and as is commonplace in Australia, the local police attended the scenem” ECB’s statement read.

“When asked to leave by hotel management and the Tasmanian police, the players and management in question left and returned to their respective hotel rooms. The England party have apologised for any inconvenience caused. The ECB will investigate further. Until such times, we will make no further comment,” the statement read further.