Joe Root Returns as England Test Captain and Scraps Curfew Ahead of Pakistan Series
Joe Root has abolished England's midnight curfew as his first act since returning to the Test captaincy, with the three-match series against Pakistan beginning at Headingley on Wednesday 19 August. The England and Wales Cricket Board announced Root's reappointment on 6 August, naming a 16-player squad for the opening two Rothesay Tests (ECB).
The decision to scrap the curfew drew approval from former England captain Nasser Hussain, who said Root was right to remove it ahead of the Pakistan series (Sky Sports). The curfew had been introduced in the wake of a turbulent period for the England team both on and off the field.
Off-field issues dominated England's last winter tours. Harry Brook was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington, and the team's drinking during a mid-Ashes trip to Noosa preceded a 4-1 Ashes defeat by Australia. Then, during the summer, Ben Stokes broke the team curfew, setting in motion events that led to a 2-1 series defeat by New Zealand, Stokes' retirement, and the sacking of head coach Brendon McCullum (BBC Sport).
Stephen Fleming, the former New Zealand captain and long-time Chennai Super Kings coach, was appointed as McCullum's replacement. Marcus Trescothick, the former England opener, will take interim charge of the Test side for the Pakistan series before Fleming formally begins his role.
Root is no stranger to leadership. He previously led England in 65 Tests between 2017 and 2022, and with 166 Test caps to his name, he is regarded as England's greatest batter. He last captained the side during their second Test defeat to New Zealand earlier this summer, stepping in after Stokes' departure.
Root has been open about the approach he intends to bring. He said he hoped his "natural persona" is suited to bringing a sense of calm to the England men's team. He also acknowledged one of his "big challenges" ahead: "trying not to be Ben Stokes" (BBC Sport).
The distinction matters. Stokes, an instinctive, emotional leader, galvanised England's Test side with an attacking philosophy that transformed their style of play. Root, by contrast, is seen as more measured, a batter who builds innings with patience and precision — qualities he now intends to bring to the captaincy.
His appointment is expected to extend into next year's Ashes series (Yahoo Sports), giving him a runway that stretches well beyond the Pakistan series. For now, though, the focus narrows to Headingley on Wednesday, where Root walks out to toss for the first time in his second stint as England's Test captain — curfew gone, calm restored, and three matches to set the tone for what comes next.
