Lancashire cricketers ‘involved in Kent bar fracas’

Batsman Liam Livingstone is understood to have suffered a head injury during the incident in Kent on Saturday.

Australia’s troubles looked to be escalating ahead of the fifth Investec Test after they shook hands on a draw despite being largely outplayed by Northamptonshire on the final day of their rain-affected three-day tour match. Witnesses say the player apologised immediately but the other man took offence.

Bouncers from the club are said to have stepped in and taken a few people outside.

The game was played in front of a crowd of 7,000 and was broadcast live on Sky Sports.

The players had been drinking in a bar in Ashford, Kent, following the match when a disturbance erupted.

England wicketkeeper Jos Buttler and Lancashire coach Ashley Giles were both part of the celebrations that eventually soured, resulting in Livingstone receiving approximately 20 stitches in his face.

The 22-year-old was one of a number of the county side’s players celebrating at the The Auction House Bar on Saturday night after Lancashire Lightning beat Kent Spitfires in a T20 Blast quarter-final. Kent police said officers had responded to reports that “a man in his twenties had been assaulted and sustained a head injury”.

He added: “The matter is now being investigated by the police and nobody from the club will be making any further comment at this stage”.

“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances of the incident”.