India vs England 2014: Gary Ballance Snapped Drunk, Coach Advises More Caution

Gary Ballance, England's number three batsman who featured in the Trent Bridge Test, was issued a warning by coach Peter Moores, after pictures of the player shirtless and intoxicated at a nightclub surfaced on Sunday.

A reminder was served to Ballance by Moores about the importance of what lies ahead for the Yorkshire batsman, the English and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) said.

The warning comes right before the all-important second Test between India and England, which starts on Thursday. The right-hander had put together a well-made 71 in the first Test.

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

Eyewitness accounts say Ballance was heavily intoxicated and had to be taken out that way. Snaps of the player shirtless and drunk were taken by a fellow drinker at Pandora's Box - a night club. The pictures were taken hours after the first Test had drawn to a conclusion, according to the report.

Disciplinary proceedings would not be instituted against the Yorkshire batsman this time. Also, the player would not lose his spot in the side for the second Test at Lord's.

Ballance had not broken any curfew nor any other rules set by the ECB, with regard to consuming alcohol, according to the report. The board had granted the cricketers permission to have the night off.

Moores knew that a few of the players were seen on camera unwinding after the Trent Bridge Test and that the board had placed no restrictions on them going out that night. Furthermore, these events did not warrant censure, the English coach believed as practice for the Lord's Test only commenced on Monday.

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

Joe Root, Liam Plunkett and James Anderson were also with Ballance on Sunday night, claimed the report.

This is not the first time in recent years that an English cricketer has been in the news for non-cricketing reasons. Last season during the Champions Trophy, Australia's David Warner had a row with Root in a night club, which led to Warner being banned for a few Tests.