Joe Root’s triumphant return as England Test captain has been plunged into turmoil after fresh off-field controversy left him, in his own words, “really hacked off” and questioning the team’s culture.

England had just produced one of their most complete performances in recent memory, crushing Pakistan by an innings and 103 runs at Headingley. Root’s tactical authority and a ruthless bowling display were being hailed as the foundation of a new era. Within a day, that narrative was derailed.

Footage circulated on social media showing fast bowler Brydon Carse being handcuffed and led away by police on Saturday night. The incident followed Durham’s County Championship victory at Derbyshire, after which players went out to celebrate. Carse was seen speaking with team-mate Matthew Potts, while former England captain Ben Stokes appeared in the background.

Carse has since been withdrawn from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s, with the Cricket Regulator opening a formal investigation. Details of the alleged offence have not been made public, but the optics alone have deepened concern inside the England camp.

Root, visibly frustrated, addressed the issue at his pre-Test press conference. “I’m really disappointed that after last week’s performance we are sat here and we’re talking about something not related to it at all,” he said. He confirmed he had spoken to Carse, stressing his first concern was the player’s wellbeing, and described the seamer as “very upset” and “very apologetic”.

But Root’s anger runs deeper than a single episode. “It’s not the isolated incident itself, it’s the fact that we continually keep making stupid mistakes away from the game and it’s detracting from what we’re doing on the field,” he said.

Recent history backs him up. Harry Brook was involved in an altercation with a bouncer on a night out before an ODI in New Zealand. An unverified video appeared to show Ben Duckett drunk during a mid-series break on an Ashes tour. Stokes and Gus Atkinson missed a home Test after breaking curfew to visit a nightclub, later receiving written warnings for breaching contractual obligations.

Root rejected the idea that England are powerless to change. He spoke of a “player-driven” culture, built on pride and responsibility. “We want supporters to look at us and revere, not just what we do on the field but off it as well,” he said. “We’re going to have to earn a lot of trust back – and live and breathe it consistently.”