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 act like responsible adults as they head into his first series back at the helm against Pakistan. The England Test squad has been haunted 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 fast‑bowler Gus Atkinson, who were dropped for the second Test at The Oval in June after they breached a team curfew and were seen in a nightclub.
That episode sparked a wider debate about discipline within the England camp. Stokes subsequently announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test of that series, a decision that paved the way for his return alongside Atkinson for the next season. In response to the turmoil, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) introduced a stricter code of conduct in July.
The new guidelines, signed off by ECB managing director Rob Key, stipulated a midnight curfew, prohibited players from appearing in public while under the influence of alcohol, and required anyone leaving the team hotel to be back by 10 p.m. Root, however, appears to be taking a more nuanced approach. Speaking on the Sky Sports Cricket podcast, he said that imposing a curfew would be unnecessary and that the responsibility for behaviour should rest with the players themselves. "There’s no curfew coming back," Root told the hosts.
"I don’t think we need to make a big deal out of this. In my view curfews don’t work – if you want the lads to take ownership on the field, they have to feel like grown‑ups who can make sensible choices off it as well." He went on to explain that the team’s culture would be managed internally, with the captain and the newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming acting as the primary custodians of standards.
"It’s up to us as a group to manage and police ourselves," Root said. "We want to be recognised for the way we play cricket, not for headlines about nightlife. We should be on the back pages for our performances, not for a breach of a curfew." Root emphasized the importance of balance, noting that players should be allowed to celebrate victories responsibly.
"Being an adult means looking after yourself and your teammates. We need a strong, healthy culture where you know when it’s appropriate to have a beer after a win and when it’s time to focus on the next Test," he added.
"We’re human beings. If you’ve earned a celebration, enjoy it, but always remember you’re playing for England." He urged his colleagues to be mindful of the impact that alcohol and late‑night outings can have on preparation and performance. "You know what your responsibilities are, you know how to prepare for a five‑day game and what the consequences of over‑indulgence can be. So be smart, be sensible, and just act like an adult," Root concluded.
When approached for comment, the ECB said it respects the captain’s stance. "We have a Test captain and a coach who are shaping the team’s standards and culture," the board said. "As part of that, the curfew will no longer be enforced. We will make sure every player understands what is expected of them as we head into the upcoming series." Despite the controversy surrounding Stokes’ exit, Root did not rule out the possibility of the former captain returning to the side.
When asked if he would welcome Stokes back, Root replied, "I don’t know – let’s see how things develop." Root also expressed disappointment at the departure of former head coach Brendon McCullum, who had been his interim mentor during the New Zealand series in June. "I was gutted when I learned Brendon was stepping down as Test coach," Root admitted. "He’s someone who has gotten the best out of me personally. I love his perspective on the game and how he’s opened my mind to new ideas.
He’s a brilliant coach, and I’m grateful we’ll still work together in the white‑ball set‑up. I wish him all the best in that role." McCullum remains England’s 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’s cricketing intellect. "Stephen and I have crossed paths over the years as he’s coached various sides around the world.
I’ve always admired him as a player and a leader. He’s a captain first and foremost, and his coaching record in T20s is outstanding. I’m excited about what we can achieve together," Root said.
Root also reflected on his first spell as Test captain, during which he was criticised for over‑bowling Jofra Archer in his debut overseas Test in New Zealand in November 2019. Archer subsequently endured a long injury layoff, missing more than four years of Test cricket between 2021 and 2025.
"Looking back, I probably over‑used Jofra at times," Root acknowledged. "The attack we have now gives him more support, and there are other bowlers who can share the workload.
Jofra is a generational talent and will continue to be a key part of England’s plans across formats. I made mistakes the first time around, but I’m keen to get it right now." He also spoke candidly about the personal growth he has experienced since his earlier captaincy stint. "The biggest challenge for me is how people will judge my leadership now compared to four years ago," Root said. "I’m a completely different player today.
I’ve always tried to evolve, and I see this as an opportunity to learn from past errors and improve. When you make a mistake, you reflect, you adapt, and you move forward. I hope fans see my return as a positive step rather than a setback." Root’s comments come ahead of a three‑Test series against Pakistan, set to begin on 19 August. The series will be broadcast on Sky Sports Cricket and streamed via NOW, offering fans the chance to watch England’s new era unfold without the constraints of a curfew but with a renewed emphasis on personal responsibility and team culture.
The ECB’s decision to drop the curfew, combined with Root’s adult‑focused philosophy, signals a shift toward trusting players to manage their own conduct. Whether this approach will restore the team’s reputation after the recent scandals remains to be seen, but the captain’s clear message is that maturity, accountability, and a strong on‑field performance will be the hallmarks of England’s Test side moving forward.