Joe Root has taken a big decision after returning as England’s Test captain, with the veteran cricketer’s first major decision being the removal of the team’s midnight curfew. Root is of the opinion that strict restrictions on players’ movements are unlikely to bring about the discipline England need. Rather, he expects players to make sensible decisions while giving thoughts to the standards expected of them.
Root’s second spell as England’s Test captain began following Ben Stokes’ retirement from international cricket at the end of the summer series against New Zealand. Stokes had taken over the captaincy from Root in 2022, but his departure has now opened the door for Root to lead the side and his first assignment is the upcoming three-match Test series against Pakistan.
"There's not going to be a curfew. I don't think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest. My view on the curfew is that the players are doing their 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 told Sky Sports.
The decision to abolish the curfew also has major importance because team discipline had become a major talking point during the previous leadership. Following England’s victory in the opening Test at Lord’s, Stokes and Gus Atkinson were involved in a late-night incident that resulted in both players missing the second Test. Now, Root believes that the England team should be recognised by the way they perform.
“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. 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," Root said.
"I don't want people to feel like they can't enjoy winning a Test match because they want to have a beer or at the right time let their hair down and then that's absolutely fine. We're human beings at the end of the day. 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 added.