Joe Root dismisses call for alcohol ban on England team insisting 'there is not a drinking culture'

Joe Root has dismissed suggestions that England should introduce an alcohol ban, insisting the Test squad does not have a drinking culture despite recent controversies.

The veteran batsman, who takes charge of the side for Wednesday's second Test against New Zealand at the Oval, noted that errors have been made but believes a blanket prohibition would be the wrong approach.

"I don't necessarily think that's the way to go," Root told Sky Sports.

"I don't think there's a drinking culture within our team. I think, like I said, there have been occasions where we've let ourselves down, and we've got things wrong.

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"We have to accept that and move forward from that and learn from that, but I also think that when you work towards something for a long time, there should be opportunities and chances where you can celebrate that and enjoy that with the team.

"Not everyone drinks anyway within our group, but you should be able to get together and celebrate that and spend that time.

"And some of my greatest memories and fondest memories have been in the dressing room afterwards.

"So, that's good fun and good, good stuff that you can do off the back of winning, and what you work towards for a long period of time, but you've got to pick the right times and the right places, and I think that's the important thing."

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Both Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were removed from the squad last week, whilst an investigation continues into their evening out following England's triumph in the opening Test at Lord's.

The incident reportedly saw a member of England's security personnel being struck by a Saracens rugby player, with Stokes present at the scene.

England's director of cricket, Rob Key, indicated last week that the ECB was weighing up alcohol restrictions for the national team, with the recent Ashes series having raised fresh concerns about player conduct.

Root maintained that players deserve opportunities to mark their achievements together after extended periods of hard work and dedication.

He said: "There's been a few incidents where guys have let themselves down, but I don't necessarily think that's a fair reflection of our dressing room.

"We've got to obviously own it and know that that is not okay, but at the same time, I don't think that's a fair reflection on us as a team. We work incredibly hard.

"As a cricketer, the amount of time and pressure that you spend away from home, away from your families, in high-pressure environments, and mistakes have been made.

"We have to learn from those clearly, and we have to move on from those quickly, and we have to earn the trust of everyone back by being as professional as we can, and putting good performances in."

Root shared that he has been in contact with Stokes, who appears to be coping well despite the circumstances.

"I've spoken with Ben, he seems in a good place in the last week or so," Root said.

"I think Ben feels like he's let himself down, right? My main concern is, always, you look at the person and make sure that they're okay, so that is first and foremost the most important thing, and then in terms of this week and moving forward as a team, it's concentrating, making sure that everyone is fully on task and understanding of what's ahead of us and what an exciting opportunity we have."

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