Joe Root has ruled out a curfew for his England Test squad and urged his players to act like grown adults before the Pakistan series, after recent alcohol‑related incidents, including Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson being barred from a New Zealand Test for breaking a curfew at a nightclub.

Root told the Sky Sports Cricket podcast that the team’s standards are now the players’ own responsibility, saying they must feel free to make strong decisions off the field. He noted the ECB introduced a midnight curfew and public‑alcohol bans in July, but those rules will no longer apply under his captaincy, and the focus should be on performance and culture.

Root expressed disappointment at Brendon McCullum’s exit as Test coach, praising his influence and noting he will continue working with him in white‑ball cricket. He highlighted the appointment of Stephen Fleming, whom he admired as a player and coach, and said he is eager for the new era.

Root admitted he over‑used Jofra Archer in 2019, a mistake that led to Archer’s long injury layoff. He vowed not to repeat that error, calling Archer a generational talent and saying his experience will improve his decision‑making as an older, wiser captain.