ECB launches investigation into post-Ashes drinking session involving captain Joe Root, pacer James Anderson

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has launched an investigation into the early-morning drinking session involving captain Joe Root and veteran pacer James Anderson at England’s team hotel in Hobart.

Three Australian players, Alex Carey, Travis Head and Nathan Lyon were also seen in a video as they got together to mark the end of the Ashes at the tourist’s Hobart hotel, according to reports.

“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 ECB said.

“The hotel management received a noise complaint from a hotel guest, and as is commonplace in Australia, the local police attended the scene,” the statement said.

“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 video, which has gone viral, was allegedly taken by England assistant Graham Thorpe.

The players were seen being confronted by at least four police officers who told them to shut down the party and disperse.

“Lyon and Carey were still in their playing whites having capped off a 4-0 Ashes triumph over England the night before,” Fox Sports reported.

“Tasmania police confirmed they were called to the Crowne Plaza hotel after 06:00 local time following a report of “intoxicated people” but said no further action would be taken.” In the video, the group of players was asked to stop drinking and move inside from the rooftop terrace.