Joe Root has made it clear that under his leadership as England's Test captain there will be no curfew imposed on the squad, urging his teammates to conduct themselves like "grown adults" as they prepare for the upcoming series against Pakistan. This stance marks a departure from the stricter disciplinary measures that were introduced after a series of alcohol‑related incidents that plagued the England Test side following the overseas Ashes tour in late 2025. During that turbulent period, the team endured several high‑profile breaches of conduct. Most notably, then‑captain Ben Stokes and fast‑bowler Gus Atkinson were omitted from the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval in June after they were caught breaking a team curfew and becoming involved in a nightclub altercation.
The fallout from that episode was severe: Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket after the third Test, while Atkinson also stepped away for a time before eventually returning to the fold. In response to the incidents, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a set of enhanced player‑behaviour guidelines in July.
Signed off by ECB managing director Rob Key, the policy introduced a midnight curfew, prohibited players from appearing in public while under the influence of alcohol, and required any player leaving the team hotel after 10 p.m. to notify management. The intention was to create a clear framework that would curb off‑field indiscretions and protect the team's reputation.
Root, however, has signalled a different philosophy. 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 argued that curfews are ineffective and that true responsibility comes from treating players as adults who can make sensible choices both on and off the field. "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," he explained.
Root emphasised that the responsibility for maintaining standards now rests with the players themselves and with the leadership team, which includes new head coach Stephen Fleming. "That's for us as a team to manage well, and police well for me and [new head coach] Stephen Fleming," he said. He added that England should be recognised for its performance on the pitch rather than for headline‑grabbing scandals: "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." The captain stressed the importance of a balanced culture, one that allows celebration after a hard‑won victory but also recognises the need for discipline.
"Be adults, look after yourselves, look after each other. We need to create a good, strong culture where you know when the right time is to celebrate and enjoy a win or to have a sensible beer, but remember – you've got to play for England," he said. Root wants his teammates to feel comfortable enjoying a beer after a successful match, provided they understand the impact such choices can have on performance. "You know what your responsibilities are, you know how you need to prepare for a Test match and what it takes, and the effects that these things can have on you.
So be smart, be sensible, and just be an adult," he concluded. When approached for comment, the ECB acknowledged the shift in policy, stating: "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." This response suggests that the board is comfortable handing greater autonomy to the leadership group, trusting that they will uphold the professional standards expected of England cricketers. The discussion also touched on the future of former captain Ben Stokes. Despite the controversy surrounding his exit, Root did not rule out the possibility of Stokes returning to the Test side.
When asked whether he would welcome Stokes back, Root replied, "I don't know – let's get there first," leaving the door open but emphasizing that performance and team dynamics will dictate any decision. Root also expressed disappointment at the departure of former head coach Brendon McCullum, who had been serving as England's Test coach before being replaced by Stephen Fleming.
Root described his relationship with McCullum as pivotal, saying, "I was gutted when I found out Brendon was no longer going to be the Test coach. He's someone that I feel has really got the best out of me personally. I love the way he sees the game, and the way that he's opened my eyes up to looking at it slightly differently. He's a brilliant coach, and I'm very glad that we still get to work together in the white‑ball set‑up.
I owe him a huge amount and wish him all the best." While McCullum remains the head coach for England's limited‑overs teams, Stephen Fleming—McCullum's former New Zealand teammate—has taken over the Test coaching duties. Root spoke highly of Fleming, recalling their past encounters: "Fleming and I have crossed paths a bit over the last few years when he's coached different teams around the world.
I have always admired him as a player and a captain. His record as a coach, especially in T20 cricket, has been exceptional, and I'm excited about what we can achieve together." The conversation also revisited Root's own captaincy history. In his first stint as Test skipper, he was criticised for over‑bowling fast bowler Jofra Archer, who was used for 42 overs in a maiden overseas Test in New Zealand in November 2019.
Archer subsequently endured a prolonged injury layoff, missing more than four years of Test cricket between 2021 and 2025. Reflecting on that period, Root admitted, "I think at times maybe I did over‑bowl him and over‑use him. The attack that he works with now complements him really well.
There are now other bowlers who can fill the role I once gave Jofra. He's a generational talent and will continue to produce wonderful things for England across formats. In Test cricket, he's capable of doing some wonderful things. I didn't get everything right the first time around, but I'm very excited to work with him again." Root also candidly addressed the weight of his earlier captaincy experience, noting that the scrutiny he faced then has shaped his approach now that he is an older and wiser player.
"The hardest thing for me will be people's opinion of how I captained four years ago. I have to remind myself that I'm a completely different player from what I was then.
As a player, I've always looked to evolve and move my game forward. When you make mistakes, you learn from them and you don't repeat them.
I hope people see my return as a massive upside rather than a hindrance." Overall, Root's message is one of empowerment, responsibility, and a desire to foster a mature team environment. By discarding the curfew and placing trust in his squad, he aims to create a culture where players can celebrate success responsibly while staying focused on the ultimate goal: winning Test cricket for England.
The three‑Test series against Pakistan begins on August 19 and will be broadcast live on Sky Sports Cricket, with streaming options available through NOW. Fans can follow the action, scorecards, and post‑match analysis across the usual digital platforms, while the England side seeks to demonstrate that a relaxed yet disciplined approach can coexist with top‑level performance.