England have published their latest list of centrally contracted players, and director of cricket Rob Key said he believes Brydon Carse can represent the national side again despite an ongoing inquiry into an incident reported to have taken place outside a nightclub in Derby in August.
Key, who oversees England men's cricket, made the remarks in the context of the newly revealed contract allocations. The investigation into the August incident remains under way and no formal outcome has been announced.
The director's comments underline a tension for the national setup between maintaining selection standards and allowing for due process while inquiries continue. Key indicated his view that the door remains open for Carse to return to international duties, though he did not outline a specific timeline or conditions for any recall.
Publication of the contract list sets out which players the national selectors regard as central to their plans for the coming period. How the ongoing investigation will influence selection decisions is likely to be determined by the findings of that inquiry and any conclusions reached by the relevant authorities.