Broad and KP cleared after 'late-night tipple'

England

Cricket365
December 2, 2013

The England and Wales Cricket Board have confirmed that fast bowler Stuart Broad and batsman Kevin Pietersen's visit to an Adelaide nightclub three days before the start of the second Ashes Test did not breach protocol.

Broad and Pietersen were pictured – reportedly in the Zhivago nightclub – late on Sunday evening before preparations begin in earnest for the second match of the five-match series, which Australia lead on the back of a resounding 381-run triumph inside four days at the Gabba in Brisbane.

"They are free to do as they please – they are grown men. There has been no breach of team protocol," said an ECB spokesperson.

The duo were rested for the weekend's two-day fixture against the Cricket Australia's Chairman's XI at Traeger Park in Alice Springs, which ended in a draw. The touring party's flight to Adelaide was later delayed by almost four hours.

"Having rested during England's weekend tour match in Alice Springs, superstars Pietersen and Broad kicked up their heels to the wee hours on Monday morning at city club Zhivago on Currie Street," read a report in the Adelaide-based <i>Telegraph</i>.

"The Poms were rolled by 381 runs at the Gabba but Broad and Pietersen enjoyed a liquid preparation four days ahead of the Test. The late-night tipple might incur a raised eyebrow from England coach and former South Australian batsman Andy Flower, a noted stickler for discipline and immaculate preparation."

The second Test will get underway at the Adelaide Oval on Thursday. Perth, Melbourne and Sydney will hosts fixtures three, four and five respectively.