Josh Tongue reveals Joe Root’s ‘robust conversation’ has reset England standards

• Fast bowler says captain was ‘clear on the message’

• ‘We are very privileged to put on the England shirt’

After eight months of repeated infringements and frequent embarrassment, Joe Root’s “robust conversation” with the England Test squad at Lord’s this week has finally ended any uncertainty about the conduct expected of them, with Josh Tongue saying the penny had “100%” dropped after the Test captain “made it clear what he expects from us”.

“It was a chat that was needed, a very good chat from Rooty” the 28-year-old said. “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.”