Tongue says Root's message hit home as England eye series win

England aim to secure their first Test series win in nearly two years against Pakistan at Lord's starting Thursday. Joe Root, the second Test captain in this stint, addressed media after another disciplinary issue involving fast bowler Josh Tongue, who was dropped from the squad following an incident outside a nightclub in Derby.

Root's stern talk resonated with the players, according to Tongue, who believes the team must remain professional and move past these incidents. England's recent form has been poor, with three wins and six losses in nine Test matches since October, marked by off-field misconduct. A victory at Lord's would shift focus back to cricket and England is favored to win, possibly with an unchanged team.