Joe Root defends the England team's culture, saying there isn't a drinking culture, after Ben Stokes' nightclub incident. On Wednesday, 17 June 2026, Root will lead the England side for the second Test against New Zealand at the Oval.

What happened?

The incident occurred after England's victory in the first Test at Lord's, where Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson were dropped from the squad ahead of the second Test.

Why it matters for Joe Root

Root admits mistakes have been made and revealed Stokes feels like he's let himself down. The England and Wales Cricket Board is considering imposing an alcohol ban on the England team.

What comes next?

Rob Key, England's director of cricket, said the board was considering the ban, but Root doesn't think it's necessary. He believes the team should be able to celebrate their wins and enjoy time together.

The nightclub incident ended with a member of England's security staff being reportedly struck by a Saracens rugby player. Stokes was present at the incident, which has heaped more scrutiny on the professionalism and culture around England's Test team.

Root refused to disclose what was said with his good friend Stokes last week. But he told Sky Sports that Stokes seems in a good place and feels like he's let himself down.

The second Test between England and New Zealand starts on Wednesday, 17 June 2026, at 10am. Root will lead the England side, and the match will be live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket.

Root believes the team has to accept their mistakes and move forward. He thinks they should be able to get together and celebrate their wins, but they have to pick the right times and places.

The England team has been under scrutiny after a humiliating Ashes tour, where a midnight curfew was reportedly imposed on England's players and staff. Root says he doesn't think the team's culture is a fair reflection of their dressing room.

The incident has sparked debate about the England team's culture and whether an alcohol ban is necessary. Root's comments come ahead of the second Test, where England will look to bounce back from their defeat in the first Test.

Root's leadership will be crucial in the second Test, as England looks to level the series. The match will be a test of the team's character and their ability to bounce back from adversity.

The England team will be without Stokes and Atkinson, who were dropped from the squad ahead of the second Test. Root will have to lead the team and make important decisions on the field.

The second Test will be a thrilling encounter, with both teams looking to win. England will be looking to level the series, while New Zealand will be looking to take a 2-0 lead.

Root's comments on the team's culture and the incident have sparked debate. He believes the team should be able to celebrate their wins and enjoy time together, but they have to pick the right times and places.

The incident has raised questions about the England team's culture and whether they need to impose an alcohol ban. Root's comments come ahead of the second Test, where England will look to bounce back from their defeat in the first Test.

The England team will be looking to put the incident behind them and focus on the second Test. They will be looking to level the series and prove their critics wrong.

Root's leadership will be key in the second Test. He will have to lead the team and make important decisions on the field. The match will be a test of the team's character and their ability to bounce back from adversity.

The second Test will be live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket, starting at 10am on Wednesday, 17 June 2026. England will be looking to level the series, while New Zealand will be looking to take a 2-0 lead.