Joe Root Reflects on England's Disappointing Behavior as He Resumes Captaincy
Joe Root has candidly admitted that England have “let ourselves down” due to some “disappointing” behavior in recent months. This acknowledgment follows a troubling incident at a Chelsea nightclub last week, which has sidelined Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson from the second Test against New Zealand. Root resumes his captaincy on what he describes as a “game-by-game basis.” Stokes and Atkinson faced the consequences of breaking the team's midnight curfew while celebrating England's victory in the opening game at Lord’s. As a result, Root returns to captain his 65th Test, more than four years after stepping down from a role that he had found to be detrimental to his personal health. Despite being part of the post-Lord’s celebrations, Root managed to adhere to the curfew. He expressed disappointment over the recent behavior, stating: “There has been a few occasions as a team we’ve let ourselves down.” “We have to learn from those mistakes.” “These things should never happen.” Root emphasized the importance of celebrating victories at the right time, highlighting that the team is fundamentally professional and hardworking. Looking ahead, Root expressed excitement about leading the team at The Oval, particularly working alongside Brendon McCullum. He is open to the idea of taking on the captaincy permanently if Stokes is unable to continue. Reflecting on his past experiences, Root noted: “I am a very different player... in a good way.” “It has been really cool... working with Baz in a slightly different space.” As he dusted off his old captain’s blazer, Root noted it was creased but ready for action, showcasing his enthusiasm for this new chapter in leadership.
Source: The Guardian Sport - 2026-06-16