Fast bowler Josh Tongue has confirmed that Joe Root's stern address to the England Test squad at Lord's this week has clarified the conduct standards expected of players, with the 28-year-old stating emphatically that the message had "100%" landed after the captain "made it clear what he expects from us".
The intervention marked a turning point after eight months of repeated disciplinary breaches and public embarrassment for the team.
"It was a chat that was needed, a very good chat from Rooty,"Tongue reflected.
"He was very clear on the message of what it's like to be an England cricketer. We're very privileged to put on that England shirt and we want to show kids growing up how good it is to play for England in front of thousands of people. He was honest with us all in the changing room. He said it straight. What has happened in the past is the past, and we need to try to move on from that."
The squad's disciplinary issues trace back to November 2025, when Tongue, Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell were present at a Wellington nightclub the night before a one-day international during England's tour of New Zealand. Brook received an ECB fine and a final warning over his conduct, while Bethell was cautioned for breaching team rules. Tongue, who was not part of the ODI squad at that time, faced no disciplinary action. Brook later acknowledged that the incident and its consequences had "played through my mind," underscoring the broader impact of the episode on the squad.
Root's decision to address the squad directly reflects a broader shift in England's approach to player discipline. The captain had previously scrapped the team's midnight curfew ahead of the Pakistan series, telling players to "be adults" as the ECB moved toward captain-led standards rather than rigid written rules.
How has Tongue responded to the reset?
Tongue acknowledged that the Wellington incident forced him to examine his own standards but said he had worked to move past it and concentrate on cricket.
"We've just got to make sure we're as professional as we can be,"he said.
"Obviously things have happened, we need to try and move on and show all the youngsters growing up wanting to play for England that it's an amazing place to be. I've just tried to move on from that [Wellington] situation and focus on the cricket. It's an absolute privilege to play for England and especially walking out and thousands of people watching you. I want to put in as many performances as I can for England, and win as many games for England as well."
Since the Wellington incident, Tongue has established himself as a key player across all three formats. He has cemented his position in the Test side, broken into the T20 and ODI squads, and won the Hundred with Manchester Super Giants. In the opening Test against Pakistan at Headingley, Tongue took 5-46 in Pakistan's first innings and 3-43 in their second, finishing with eight wickets as England secured an innings and 103-run victory inside three days.
"It's been crazy,"he reflected.
"I've always wanted to play all three formats for England. I ticked off the Test stuff and started very well. Then making my debut this year in the T20s and the 50-overs, and it seems like yesterday I was here at Lord's winning the Hundred with Manchester. I feel in a really good place at the minute."
What role is incoming coach Stephen Fleming playing?
Tongue revealed that Stephen Fleming, England's new red-ball coach who is scheduled to take up his full position after the Pakistan series concludes, is already maintaining regular contact with the squad despite not yet formally assuming his duties.
"He messaged me the day before the first Test, touching on the Hundred and congratulating me on that, and good luck for the first Test,"Tongue explained.
"Then he messaged me after [Tongue took a five-fer] on the first day as well, which was very nice. Obviously he wants to have a look at everyone before coming in for the South Africa series. It's good to know that he's been watching."
Root has already praised Fleming's early engagement with the squad, noting his daily contact with players during the Headingley victory. This proactive approach signals Fleming's commitment to understanding the group before formally taking charge.
What are Pakistan's hopes for the series?
Pakistan captain Babar Azam, who is set to return for the second Test after missing the opening match with a finger injury, acknowledged that his side's senior players must take responsibility if they are to reverse a troubling run of form.
"It's not a burden, I think it's your responsibility as a senior player,"he said.
"We have to step up, perform, and get the team out of different situations. Last week we were not playing up to the mark, but after that we sat together, discussed our mistakes and then we just forgot those things and looked forward to this match. We just [have to] believe in ourselves and play good cricket."
Pakistan's recent record has been concerning, with five defeats in their past six Tests before arriving in England. The loss at Headingley, where they were dismissed for 171 and 172 in their two innings, has intensified pressure on Azam and his teammates to deliver an improved performance in the remainder of the series.
Key Facts
- Josh Tongue took 8 wickets across both Pakistan innings at Headingley, including a five-wicket haul in the first innings
- England won the opening Test by an innings and 103 runs, marking Joe Root's first victory as Test captain in his return to the role
- Harry Brook and Jacob Bethell received official caution notices following the November 2025 Wellington nightclub incident, with no further action taken against Tongue
- Stephen Fleming is maintaining contact with England players before formally assuming his role as red-ball coach after the Pakistan series
- Pakistan have won only one of their past six Tests and face mounting pressure to improve in the second Test
