Joe Root, who was named as England’s new Test captain, did not waste much time in stamping his authority. On Wednesday, the 35-year-old confirmed that the night curfew would be removed and the players would be given the freedom, provided they behave responsibly. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) imposed a curfew after the Ashes, where the Three Lions players were found guilty of being involved in binge drinking sessions and visiting casinos on multiple occasions.
Root was named England’s Test captain after Ben Stokes retired from international cricket. The first assignment for the batter would be the upcoming three Tests against Pakistan, beginning August 19. Stephen Fleming has also been named as England’s new Test coach, taking over from Brendon McCullum.
“There’s not going to be a curfew. I don’t think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest. 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 on the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast on Wednesday.
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“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,” he added.
Speaking of the night curfew, it was introduced following concerns over player behaviour during the Ashes. Stokes and Gus Atkinson were subsequently believed to have broken the restrictions following England’s victory in the first Test at Lord’s against New Zealand. Although there was uncertainty over exactly how the regulations were being applied.
ECB’s official statement
The same development was confirmed by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB). In a statement, the English board said that the decision to remove the curfew was taken by Root and the new head coach, Fleming.
However, it is worth noting that Fleming will take charge of the Test team later this year, and for now, Marcus Trescothick will be at the helm for the Pakistan series.
“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,” the ECB stated in their statement.