Joe Root abolishes team curfew on his return as England Test captain

Root took over the leadership role that he held from 2017 until 2022 following Ben Stokes' shock retirement from international cricket after the home series against New Zealand in June.

Stokes' decision to call time on his England career was partly due to teh allrounder and seamer Gus Atkinson being suspended for the second Test of that New Zealand series after breaking a team curfew following a win at Lord's in the first Test.

The curfew was initially out in place after some of England's players had off-field issues involving alcohol on tour in Australia and New Zealand late last year.

Root though has now put the curfew to bed, and the decision was taken in consultation with incoming England Test coach Stephen Fleming.

Speaking in the Sky Cricket Podcast, the England skipper said: "There's not going to be a curfew and I don't think this needs to be a big deal, to be honest.

"My view on curfews is I don't think they 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.

"And that's for us as a team to manage well and self-police well for me and Flem to manage well in many ways. But ultimately grown adults - you know what it takes to play for England. You know what your responsibilities are off the field.

"We should be known for how we play our cricket and what we do on the field. And we should be on the back page of papers and people reading about that sort of stuff.

"So as much as I've got to say on it, that's be adults, look after yourselves, look after each other. 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 or whatever. And remember you're playing for England."

A statement released by the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed the curfew has been dropped, 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."

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