Tongue confirms Root’s conduct message has fully landed

England fast bowler Josh Tongue has stated that captain Joe Root’s message regarding the squad’s off-field conduct has been fully heeded. The comment comes after Root publicly expressed frustration over Brydon Carse’s late-night drinking incident in Derby, which resulted in Carse’s removal from the squad for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord’s.

Tongue described the captain’s address to the team as honest and necessary, emphasising the privilege of representing England. Root revealed that he had addressed the squad before training began for the upcoming match, describing the conversation as a "chat that was needed."

Carse was removed from the England squad after being briefly arrested in Derby. The England and Wales Cricket Board referred the matter to the Cricket Regulator, whose investigation led to his absence for the Lord’s match. Sonny Baker has been named as Carse’s replacement in the squad.

Tongue, who is one of eight centrally contracted players involved in or present for a late-night drinking incident since last October, noted that the team’s focus has shifted fully to the upcoming five days of play. He acknowledged his own previous involvement in a controversy with Harry Brook in Wellington, though the Regulator took no action against him.

The squad is currently preparing for the second Test under interim head coach Marcus Trescothick. New Zealander Stephen Fleming is due to take charge as head coach from the tour of South Africa in December. Tongue confirmed that Fleming has been in contact with players, messaging him before and after the first day of the first Test.

England secured an innings victory over Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley. A victory at Lord’s would give England their first win in a multi-match series since 2024, with the hosts likely to name an unchanged XI for the upcoming fixture.