RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Josh Tongue has taken 65 wickets in 13 Tests for England [Getty Images]
Fast bowler Josh Tongue said captain Joe Root's message to the England players about their off-field behaviour has "100%" been heeded.
On Tuesday, Root said he was "hacked off" that Brydon Carse had become the latest England player involved in a late-night drinking controversy.
The skipper also revealed he had addressed the squad before they began training in preparation for the second Test against Pakistan at Lord's, beginning on Thursday.
"It was a chat that was needed, a very good chat from Rooty," Tongue told BBC Sport.
"He was very clear on the message of what it is 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."
Carse has been removed from the England squad for the second Test after he was briefly arrested while on a night out in Derby on Saturday.
Footage of the 31-year-old in handcuffs and surrounded by police officers appeared on social media on Sunday.
He was eventually de-arrested, but the England and Wales Cricket Board have referred the matter to the Cricket Regulator, and the Regulator's investigation has resulted in Carse's absence from the squad for Lord's.
It is the latest in a string of controversies involving the England men's team over the past 10 months.
Only last week, before the first Test in his second spell as captain, Root called on his players to be "really good role models and good human beings".
This week, Root made no attempt to hide his frustration at "stupid mistakes".
On what Root said to the players, Tongue revealed: "He was honest with us all in the changing room. He said it straight. As soon as that chat was finished, our focus was fully on these next five days."
Asked if the message had "landed", Nottinghamshire's Tongue replied: "Yeah, 100%. What has happened in the past is the past and we need to try to move on from that."
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Tongue is one of the eight England centrally contracted players to have been involved in or present for a late-night drinking incident since last October.
The 28-year-old was with Harry Brook when the England white-ball captain was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington.
The Regulator took no action against Tongue for his part in the controversy, but the paceman admitted he was forced to reflect on his involvement and the fragility of a career as an England cricketer.
"I want to play for England for as long as I can," he said. "I've tried to forget about that as much as I can and focus on the cricket here, now."
Tongue was part of a four-pronged pace attack that led England to an innings victory over Pakistan in the first Test at Headingley.
Victory over the tourists at Lord's would give England their first win in a multi-match series since 2024.
The hosts seem likely to name an unchanged XI, the first time they have gone unchanged between matches since the first and second Tests at home to India last summer.
England are currently under interim head coach Marcus Trescothick, with New Zealander Stephen Fleming due to take charge from the tour of South Africa in December.
In Leeds, Root confirmed he had been in daily contact with Fleming, and Tongue has also heard from the incoming coach.
"He messaged me the day before the Test, touching on The Hundred and congratulating me on that, and saying good luck for the first Test," said Tongue.
"Then he messaged me after the first day as well, which was very nice. Obviously, he wants to have a look at everyone before coming in for the South Africa series. It's nice to know that he's been watching."
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