Root’s New Approach to Player Conduct
Joe Root, the newly reinstated England Test captain, has announced the removal of the team’s midnight curfew, urging his players to act as “grown adults.” This decision comes ahead of the upcoming series against Pakistan, marking Root’s first series back at the helm. The move signals a shift in approach following previous alcohol-related incidents within the squad.
The England Test team has faced issues concerning player behaviour, particularly since the Ashes series in late 2025. These incidents led to disciplinary actions, including the non-selection of then-captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson for the second Test against New Zealand in June, after they breached a curfew during a nightclub incident. Stokes subsequently retired from international cricket after the third Test.
Despite additional player behaviour guidelines issued by the ECB in July, which included a midnight curfew and rules against public intoxication, Root is implementing a different strategy. He stated on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast that he does not believe curfews are effective. Root emphasised that players need to feel they can make responsible decisions off the field if they are expected to take responsibility on it.
“There’s not going to be a curfew. I don’t think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest,” Root said. He added, “My view on curfews is that I don’t think they work, and if you want guys to take responsibility on the field, they’ve got to feel like they can be grown adults and make good, strong decisions off it.”
The ECB acknowledged Root’s approach, stating that the Test captain and coach are setting team standards and culture, and as part of this, the curfew will no longer be in effect. Players will be informed of expectations for the upcoming series.
Leadership Changes and Player Management
Root also expressed his disappointment regarding the departure of former head coach Brendon McCullum, with whom he worked as interim captain during a loss to New Zealand in June. Root praised McCullum for helping him personally and for his perspective on the game. McCullum remains the England white-ball head coach, while his former New Zealand teammate Stephen Fleming has taken over as Test coach.
Root voiced his admiration for Fleming, both as a player and a coach, highlighting Fleming’s leadership qualities and exceptional coaching record, particularly in T20 cricket. Root looks forward to working with Fleming to manage the team culture effectively.
Looking back at his previous tenure as Test captain, Root admitted to mistakes, specifically regarding the workload of bowler Jofra Archer. Archer was bowled for 42 overs in his maiden overseas match in New Zealand in November 2019, which preceded a series of injuries that kept him out of Test cricket for over four years between 2021 and 2025. Root has vowed not to repeat this error, noting that the current bowling attack offers more options to manage Archer’s workload.
Root described Archer as a “generational talent” capable of “wonderful things” for England across all formats. He acknowledged his past mistakes but views his previous captaincy experience as a valuable learning opportunity, believing he is a different and more evolved player and leader now.
Upcoming Pakistan Series
The upcoming Test series against Pakistan will be Root’s first back as permanent captain. The series schedule is as follows:
- First Test: Headingley – Wednesday, August 19 to Sunday, August 23 (first ball 11am)
- Second Test: Lord’s – Thursday, August 27 to Monday, August 31 (first ball 11am)
- Third Test: Edgbaston – Wednesday, September 9 to Sunday, September 13 (first ball 11am)
Root also did not dismiss the possibility of Ben Stokes returning to the England squad in the future, stating, “I don’t know – let’s get there first,” when asked about a potential Ashes return for the former captain.
Source: skysports.com