Joe Root backed to scrap England curfew as new Test era begins

Nasser Hussain supports Root’s decision to trust England players

Former England captain Nasser Hussain has backed Joe Root’s decision to abolish the team curfew after returning as Test captain, arguing that professional cricketers should be trusted to behave responsibly.

Root has taken charge of England’s Test side again ahead of the three-match series against Pakistan, replacing Ben Stokes. One of his first decisions was to remove the curfew introduced after England’s disappointing Ashes campaign last winter.

Hussain believes the decision is a positive step for a team looking to rebuild after a difficult period. England have lost eight of their last 13 Tests, while their 2-1 series defeat by New Zealand brought an end to the Brendon McCullum era and was followed by Stokes’ international retirement.

‘Treat people like grown ups’

Hussain argued that imposing restrictions on experienced international players can ultimately undermine a team rather than strengthen it. In his view, players should understand their responsibilities and face consequences themselves if they fail to meet professional standards.

He also believes the curfew was evidence of how difficult England’s situation had become following the Ashes. Root’s decision represents a clear attempt to move away from that environment and establish a different culture under his leadership.

The returning captain has previously led England on a record 65 occasions. His latest stint began when he stood in during the second Test against New Zealand, but that match also raised questions about his tactical instincts as a captain.

Questions remain over Root’s captaincy

Hussain remains supportive of Root but admitted he has concerns about whether the veteran batter possesses the same natural feel for the game that Stokes demonstrated during his tenure.

He pointed to Root’s decisions during the defeat at The Oval, suggesting that the new captain occasionally tried to replicate Stokes’ aggressive approach rather than relying on his own instincts. Hussain said Root did not always appear to have the same sense of the game’s tempo and conditions.

Hussain also revealed that he might have preferred Harry Brook for the permanent role. Brook was vice-captain but was overlooked as England opted for Root, with the management mindful of the demands of asking Brook to captain across multiple formats.

Root wants to build on the Bazball era

Michael Atherton, meanwhile, believes Root is genuinely excited about returning to the captaincy rather than simply accepting the role out of duty. Root has indicated that he does not intend to completely abandon the principles that worked during the McCullum era.

Instead, he wants to retain the successful elements of that approach while putting his own stamp on the team. Importantly, Root has said he will not impose a predetermined style on the players, suggesting England could adopt a more flexible approach in the new era.

The first major test of that philosophy comes against Pakistan, with the series beginning at Headingley on Wednesday. Jordan Cox has been recalled to bat at No 3 in the first two Tests after Jacob Bethell was ruled out through injury.

England face Pakistan in crucial three-Test series

The Pakistan series represents an important opportunity for Root to establish his second spell as captain. England will need to improve quickly after a poor run of results, while Root himself will be expected to combine his exceptional batting record with stronger tactical leadership.

The first Test takes place at Headingley from August 19-23, followed by Lord’s from August 27-31 and Edgbaston from September 9-13.

With the curfew gone and a new leadership era beginning, Root has made his first major statement: England’s players are being trusted to act like professionals. Whether that freedom translates into improved performances will become clearer when the first ball is bowled against Pakistan.