India, Aug. 26 -- England fast bowler Josh Tongue has admitted Joe Root's message over standards and professionalism was a conversation the Test squad "needed", insisting the captain has made clear what is expected from players after a difficult period off the field.

England's conduct has come under sustained scrutiny following a series of incidents involving players over the past several months. Root addressed the squad at Lord's this week ahead of the second Test against Pakistan, with Tongue saying there was now no ambiguity over the standards expected of an England cricketer. "It was a chat that was needed, a very good chat from Rooty," Tongue said. "He was very clear on the message of what it's like to be an England cricketer. We're...