Joe Root has made it clear that there will be no curfew imposed on the England Test side under his leadership, urging his teammates to conduct themselves like mature adults as they embark on his first series back in charge, this time facing Pakistan. The England Test squad has been dogged by a series of alcohol‑related incidents ever since the overseas Ashes tour that concluded in late 2025. The most notable episode involved then‑captain Ben Stokes and fast‑bowler Gus Atkinson, both of whom missed the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval in June after they were caught breaking a team curfew and were seen in a nightclub.
The fallout from that breach was severe: Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test of the series, a decision that opened the door for his eventual return, while Atkinson also faced a temporary exclusion. In response to the growing concerns, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) introduced a stricter code of conduct in July, signed off by ECB managing director Rob Key.
The new guidelines stipulated a mandatory midnight curfew, a ban on appearing in public while under the influence of alcohol, and a requirement that players inform team management if they left the team hotel after 10 p.m. Root, however, appears to be taking a markedly different tack. Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, he emphasized personal responsibility over rigid rules.
"There’s no curfew coming back," he said. "I don’t think we need to make a big fuss about it.
In my view, curfews don’t work. If you want the lads to take ownership on the field, they need to feel like grown‑ups and make sensible choices off it as well." He went on to explain that managing behaviour will be a shared duty between the players, himself, and the newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming. "It’s up to us as a team to police ourselves," Root added. "We want to be recognised for how we play cricket, not for the headlines we generate off the pitch.
The aim is to be on the back pages for our performances, not for scandals." Root’s message was clear: players should look after themselves and each other, fostering a culture where they know when it is appropriate to celebrate a victory with a modest drink and when it is time to focus on preparation for the next challenge. "We’re human beings," he said.
"Enjoying a win with a beer is fine, but you must always remember you’re playing for England. Be smart, be sensible, and act like an adult." When approached for comment, the ECB acknowledged the shift in policy, stating, "Our Test captain and coach are defining the standards and culture for the side. As part of that process, the curfew will no longer be enforced. We will make sure every player understands what is expected of them ahead of the upcoming series." Despite the controversy surrounding Stokes’ departure, Root did not rule out the possibility of the former captain returning for a future Ashes campaign.
When asked whether he would welcome Stokes back, Root replied, "I don’t know – let’s see how things develop." Root also expressed disappointment at the exit of former head coach Brendon McCullum, with whom he had worked closely when McCullum was interim Test coach during the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval. "I was gutted when I learned Brendon wouldn’t continue as Test coach," Root admitted. "He’s someone who has brought out the best in me personally.
I love his perspective on the game; he’s helped me see things differently. He’s an excellent coach, and I’m grateful we’ll still be working together on the limited‑overs side. I owe him a great deal and wish him every success in his new role." While McCullum remains in charge of England’s white‑ball teams, the Test coaching role has been handed to his former New Zealand teammate Stephen Fleming.
Root has spoken highly of Fleming, noting their past interactions and his admiration for Fleming’s captaincy and coaching record, particularly in T20 cricket. "I’ve always respected Stephen as a player and a leader," Root said. "His approach to coaching is exceptional, and I’m excited about what we can achieve together." Root’s first tenure as Test captain was not without criticism.
In his debut overseas Test in New Zealand in November 2019, he bowled Jofra Archer for 42 overs, a decision that many later viewed as over‑use. Archer subsequently endured a long injury spell that kept him out of Test cricket from 2021 to 2025. Root has reflected on that period, acknowledging that he may have leaned too heavily on Archer and promising a more balanced approach this time around.
"I think I over‑bowled Jofra at times," Root conceded. "The attack we have now gives us more options, so I won’t rely on him in the same way. He’s a generational talent and will be a key asset across formats, but I’ve learned from the past and will manage his workload more wisely." Root also spoke candidly about the weight of his previous captaincy on his current mindset.
He said the scrutiny of his earlier spell has forced him to grow as both a player and a leader. "People will always compare me to how I captained four years ago, but I’m a completely different cricketer now," he explained.
"I’ve always tried to evolve my game, and the same applies to my leadership. Mistakes are lessons; you learn, you adapt, and you move forward. I hope the public sees my return as an opportunity, not a drawback." In summary, Root’s stance is that a strict curfew is unnecessary; instead, he wants to cultivate an environment where players act responsibly, support one another, and maintain a professional standard that reflects the pride of representing England. The ECB appears supportive of this philosophy, indicating that clear expectations will replace the previous curfew rule.
Fans can look forward to the three‑Test series between England and Pakistan, which begins on August 19 and will be broadcast on Sky Sports Cricket. The series promises an exciting start to Root’s renewed captaincy, with the added narrative of a team navigating its cultural direction without the constraints of a nightly curfew.