Nasser Hussain praised England’s new Test leader Joe Root for his decision to eliminate the team curfew, calling it a mature step, but he also warned that the returning captain sometimes seems to lack the intuitive feel for the game that his predecessor Ben Stokes possessed. Root has now captained England a record 65 times, most recently in the second Test loss to New Zealand earlier this summer – a match that came after Stokes and Gus Atkinson were suspended for breaching a curfew that had been introduced following the 4‑1 Ashes defeat in the winter.
During the latest Sky Sports Cricket Podcast, Hussain described Root’s choice to scrap the curfew ahead of the three‑Test series against Pakistan as "just a grown‑up decision". He argued that imposing a curfew signals a loss of control over the squad and that such rules inevitably get broken.
"Treat the players as adults," he said, "and if they behave poorly, fine them first and then consider dropping them. A professional outfit shouldn’t need a curfew; its existence only highlights how badly the environment had deteriorated." Hussain added, "I’m really pleased that Joe has said ‘no, enough of that nonsense’.” The immediate challenge for Root is to revive an England side that has lost eight of its last thirteen Tests, a slump that began after the 2‑1 series defeat to New Zealand that marked the end of the Bazball era and also saw Ben Stokes retire from international cricket.
Root’s first full‑time spell as captain ended in a similarly barren run, with only one victory in his final seventeen Tests before he stepped down in 2022. Hussain reflected on a recent match at The Oval, noting that Root was handed a very generous target – a “hospital pass” – for the second Test against New Zealand. He said the situation reminded him of earlier memories of Root’s captaincy, pointing out that despite being a superb player with a good sense of tempo, Root “didn’t have the feel of the game” on that occasion.
"He seemed to be trying too hard to emulate Ben Stokes, pushing his men onto a bouncy Oval pitch where the ball was staying low," Hussain observed. "He lacks the instinctive feel that made Stokes such an effective leader." Hussain also compared Root’s style with that of Harry Brook, who, although serving as vice‑captain, was overlooked for the Test role at The Oval. Brook, who leads England’s white‑ball sides, has shown a natural feel for the game in limited‑overs cricket, and Hussain suggested that Root might benefit from adopting some of Brook’s instincts. He noted Brook’s “aura” and his ability to read match situations, while also acknowledging the demanding international schedule.
Brook’s omission from the Test captaincy was partly due to concerns about overloading the 27‑year‑old with responsibilities across three formats. Additionally, Brook’s altercation with a nightclub bouncer before an ODI against New Zealand last winter attracted heavy criticism, further complicating his candidacy for the Test role. Former England captain Michael Atherton recently interviewed Root and asked whether his decision to stay on as captain was driven by duty or genuine desire.
Atherton answered that there were few alternatives: "There’s really nobody else. If you don’t want Harry Brook to juggle all three formats, who else is left?" He sensed that Root is genuinely excited about the opportunity, noting that the captain feels he has a solid fast‑bowling attack to work with.
Atherton praised Root for balancing loyalty to the past with a willingness to evolve. He said Root speaks highly of former New Zealand coach Brendon McCullum, acknowledging McCullum’s influence on his batting and on the team, even though that partnership ended poorly. Root, according to Atherton, is careful not to discard everything that worked under the Bazball philosophy. He wants to retain the successful elements while imprinting his own approach, avoiding a rigid, pre‑determined style.
"He’s not going to impose a single style on the side," Atherton said, emphasizing Root’s flexible mindset. In the squad for the upcoming series, Essex batsman Jordan Cox will slot in at number three for the first two Tests, covering for the injured Jacob Bethell. Cox’s only other Test appearance came at number six in the second Test loss to New Zealand at The Oval, where he made 27 and 25 in his two innings.
Cox and Root have spent time together playing for Welsh Fire in The Hundred, giving Cox a chance to get to know the England captain on a more personal level. Cox said, "I’ve been with Joe for about three and a half weeks in The Hundred, and we’ve built a good rapport.
Batting together in the nets, chatting about cricket and life – it’s been great." Cox added that while The Hundred has just finished, the focus now shifts to the pinnacle of the sport: Test cricket. He praised the extra training sessions they have managed to fit in before the big match, noting, "We had a good training session yesterday, another tomorrow, and then the day after to get ready for a big Test." His comments underline the importance of preparation and cohesion as England gears up for the Pakistan series. The three‑Test series between England and Pakistan will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket from August 19, with streaming options available through NOW without a contract.
As the series approaches, the cricketing community will be watching closely to see whether Root’s curfew‑free policy and his evolving leadership style can spark a turnaround for a side that has struggled for consistency and confidence over the past year. The hope is that a more relaxed, adult‑focused environment, combined with a captain who can blend the best of his own instincts with lessons from both Stokes and Brook, will restore England’s competitive edge in the longest format of the game.