Stand-in captain Joe Root admits England have let themselves down with behaviour

Joe Root has returned as England's stand-in Test captain for the second Test against New Zealand after regular captain Ben Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson were dropped for breaking a midnight curfew at a Chelsea nightclub following England's victory in the first Test at Lord's. Root, acknowledging England have 'let themselves down' with recent behaviour, is captaining the side on a 'game-by-game basis', marking his 65th Test in charge — his first since stepping down over four years ago citing the toll the role took on his personal health. Root insisted the incident was not a fair reflection of the team's dressing room culture, despite admitting the behaviour was 'disappointing'.