Joe Root has abolished the midnight curfew that governed the England men's Test squad, telling his players they must take responsibility for their own conduct as the team begins a fresh phase under his captaincy and new red-ball coach Stephen Fleming.
Root signals culture shift as England reset for Pakistan series
The decision comes after a period in which off-field behaviour attracted unwanted attention and disciplinary action. Root, who returned to Test captaincy following Ben Stokes's retirement from international cricket, has made clear he does not believe a formal curfew is the right way to manage senior professionals.
“I don’t think they work… Ultimately, you’re grown adults. You know what it takes to play for England. You know what your responsibilities are off the field.”
Root told the Sky Sports Cricket podcast that the curfew had been removed and suggested the change applies across formats, with the white-ball sides understood to be affected too. He argued that trusting players to make sensible choices away from the field is consistent with asking them to behave responsibly on it.
England’s recent run of controversies included a high-profile nightclub altercation involving Harry Brook and the suspension of Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson for breaking the curfew during celebrations after a one-day series win in New Zealand. Stokes later returned to play before announcing his international retirement, paving the way for Root’s reinstatement as Test captain.
- Policy change: Midnight curfew abolished for England Test players.
- Management view: Root and coach Stephen Fleming to oversee a self-policing approach.
- Context: Decision follows several late-night incidents and previous disciplinary measures.
Root said he wanted the side to be judged for its cricketing performances rather than off-field stories. He emphasised that players should look after themselves and each other, learn to celebrate appropriately and remember the responsibility that comes with representing England.
He also set clear expectations about standards of behaviour: the team should create a “good, strong culture” where players know when to enjoy themselves and when to maintain focus. That ethos will be tested as England prepare for the upcoming Test series against Pakistan.
| Incident | Consequence |
|---|---|
| Harry Brook nightclub altercation (Wellington) | Public controversy; Brook kept his white-ball captaincy |
| Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson breach of curfew | Both suspended for second Test versus New Zealand |
Root’s removal of the curfew represents a notable shift away from prescriptive off-field controls towards a model based on individual responsibility and internal team governance. That is a significant gamble: curfews are blunt instruments that can limit freedoms but they also provide clear boundaries. Root’s argument is that mature, senior professionals will police themselves and each other.
The timing is pertinent. England are entering a new chapter in red-ball cricket with Fleming, the former New Zealand coach, joining as head coach. Fleming’s arrival and Root’s leadership are intended to steady the ship following a turbulent period and to dial up focus on cricketing performance.
Whether the team can maintain discipline without a formal curfew will be watched closely by supporters and administrators alike. The policy change places responsibility squarely on the players: they must now balance personal freedom with the demands and scrutiny that come with wearing the Three Lions on their shirt.
For now, Root's message is straightforward — let the cricket do the talking and allow professionals the autonomy to act like adults both on and off the field.
