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 responsible adults as they embark on his first series back in charge, this time against Pakistan. The England Test squad has been dogged by a series of alcohol‑related incidents since the overseas Ashes tour in late 2025. The most notable episode involved then‑captain Ben Stokes and newcomer Gus Atkinson, who were dropped for the second Test at The Oval in June after they breached a team curfew and were linked to a nightclub disturbance. The fallout from that episode contributed to Stokes’ decision to retire from international cricket after the third Test of that series, a move that opened the door for his return alongside Atkinson.
In response to the growing concerns, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) introduced a stricter code of conduct in July, signed off by managing director Rob Key. The new guidelines stipulated a midnight curfew, prohibited players from appearing in public while under the influence of alcohol, and required any player leaving the team hotel to be back by 10 p.m.
The intention was to curb off‑field misbehaviour and protect the team’s reputation. Root, however, appears to be taking a more liberal stance on personal responsibility.
Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, he said: "There’s not going to be a curfew. I don’t think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest." He continued, "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." Root stressed that the on‑field performance and the way the team conducts itself during matches should be the primary focus. "We should be known for how we play cricket and what we do on the field. We should be on the back page of papers for our cricket, not for a night out," he explained.
He added that a healthy team culture means knowing when to celebrate a victory with a sensible drink and when to keep the focus on preparation for the next challenge. "Be adults, look after yourselves, look after each other.
Create a strong culture where you know the right time to have a beer, but remember you’re playing for England," he said. Root also addressed the misconception that a curfew would stifle the players’ enjoyment of the game. "I don’t want people to feel like they can’t enjoy winning a Test because they want a beer or to let their hair down at the right moment.
We’re human beings at the end of the day," he remarked. He urged his colleagues to be mindful of their responsibilities, to plan their preparation meticulously, and to understand how off‑field choices can affect performance.
"Be smart, be sensible, and just be an adult," he concluded. When asked for comment, the ECB released a brief statement: "We have a Test captain and coach who are looking at how they set team standards and culture. As part of this, the curfew will no longer be in place. We will ensure all players have a clear understanding of expectations when they come together for the upcoming Test series." The board’s response signals a willingness to let the captain and coaching staff shape the behavioural framework rather than imposing blanket restrictions.
Despite the turbulence surrounding Stokes’ exit, Root did not rule out the possibility of the former captain returning for a future Ashes campaign. When questioned about Stokes’ potential comeback, Root replied, "I don’t know – let’s get there first," indicating that performance and team harmony would dictate any future selection. Root also expressed disappointment at the departure of former head coach Brendon McCullum, who had been serving as interim Test coach during the New Zealand series in June. "I was gutted when I found out Brendon was no longer going to be the Test coach.
He’s someone who has really got the best out of me personally," Root said. He praised McCullum’s cricketing intellect and the fresh perspective he brought to England’s game plan. "I love the way he sees the game, and the way he’s opened my eyes to looking at it slightly differently.
He’s a brilliant coach, and I’m very glad we still get to work together in the white‑ball set‑up," Root added, wishing McCullum success in his continued role with the limited‑overs side. McCullum remains the white‑ball head coach, while Stephen Fleming, a former New Zealand teammate of Root, has taken over the Test coaching duties. Root spoke highly of Fleming, noting their past interactions and his admiration for Fleming’s captaincy style and coaching achievements, particularly in the T20 arena. "I’ve always admired him as a player and as a coach.
He’s someone who always put the team first, and his record as a coach has been exceptional," Root said, expressing enthusiasm for the partnership. Reflecting on his own captaincy history, Root addressed criticism he faced during his first spell, especially regarding the heavy workload he placed on fast bowler Jofra Archer. In November 2019, during his maiden overseas series in New Zealand, Root bowled Archer for 42 overs, a decision that preceded a long injury layoff for the paceman from 2021 to 2025.
Root now acknowledges that he may have over‑used Archer and promises a more measured approach this time around. "I think at times maybe I did over‑bowl him. The attack we have now complements him really well, and there are other bowlers who can fill the role I used Jofra for in the past," he explained.
He reaffirmed his belief in Archer’s talent, calling him a "generational talent" who will continue to be a key asset across formats. Root also spoke candidly about the personal growth he has experienced since his first tenure as captain. He said the scrutiny of his earlier decisions has made him a more reflective and wiser player. "The hardest thing for me will be people’s opinion of how I captained four years ago.
I’m a completely different player now," he said. Root emphasized that learning from mistakes is essential and that his evolution should be seen as a positive development rather than a hindrance. "When you make mistakes you learn, you don’t want to repeat them. I hope people see the upside of giving me another chance," he concluded.
The upcoming three‑Test series against Pakistan, set to begin on August 19, will be the first real test of Root’s revised approach to team culture and player autonomy. Fans can follow the action live on Sky Sports Cricket, and the matches will also be available via streaming on NOW for those without a traditional broadcast subscription. The series promises to showcase not only England’s cricketing skill but also the new ethos Root is trying to instill: professionalism tempered with the freedom to enjoy the sport responsibly.