Topless Ballance earns Moores warning

Omnisports Pulse

July 17, 2014 4:07 AM

England coach Peter Moores warned his players of their responsibility to the team's image, after Gary Ballance's post first-Test antics.

Photos of Ballance - who has four Test caps to his name - shirtless in a nightclub after their draw with India at Trent Bridge were published in the UK media.

Moores said, while he was informed Ballance, along with other members of his Test squad who were present at the club, did not misbehave, he said managing image should be at the forefront of his players' minds.

"I am aware that some of the England players were caught on camera relaxing after the conclusion of the recent Trent Bridge Test match," Moores said.

"As the players had been released at the end of the first Test and were not due to meet up to begin preparations for the second Test until Monday evening, and there were no suggestions of impropriety, there is no need for any disciplinary action.

"I will, however, be reminding all players of their responsibilities to uphold the best possible image for England cricket."

England's image has not been one to aspire to early in their five-Test series with India, as experienced paceman James Anderson faces a ban for an alleged push on Ravindra Jadeja during the series opener in Nottingham.

If found guilty of an offence, Anderson could miss the third and fourth Tests.

Ballance will line up for England in the second Test at Lord's starting Thursday.

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