Brendon McCullum insists Ben Stokes’ behavior has not affected their working relationship as the England coach prepares to welcome his captain back for the third Test against New Zealand.
McCullum confirmed that Stokes would return as captain for the series decider at Trent Bridge after a week-long exile due to a nightclub incident involving Gus Atkinson while breaching the team’s curfew.
When asked if the incident had damaged their relationship, McCullum told reporters: “I told him we had been working closely together for four years. We had achieved some great things but had been disappointed in others.
“Our motivation, belief and vision for our team have not wavered. We still want to make the England cricket team the best it can be and achieve long-term, sustainable success.
“We always have lively dialogue and I think that’s expected when you’re in a leadership position.
“There is mutual respect in the way we operate, and these conversations typically allow us to navigate and maintain a collaborative approach.
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Nasser Hussain and Michael Atherton discuss the mixed messages about Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum’s relationship after England’s chaotic week at The Oval.
“It’s really important to separate people from actions. As leaders, we set standards and try to consistently adhere to them. Sometimes mistakes will be made. We fix them and move on.
“I’ve been very clear and supportive of Ben, especially this week. I expect we can work really well together going forward. I’m confident we still share the same vision for this team.”
It is understood the investigation into the nightclub incident – involving England security staff and Saracens players – which led to Stokes and Atkinson being ruled out of the second Test is not yet complete.
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Highlights from day 5 of the second test between England and New Zealand.
Despite this, Stokes and Atkinson were ruled out of the remainder of Durham’s County Championship tie with Surrey early on Sunday, a clear indication that both will return at Trent Bridge.
With New Zealand tied in the three-match series, England are in dire need of reinforcements as their lack of bat, ball and experience led to a 253-run defeat at The Oval.
Stokes hit 95 from 118 balls for Durham in Saturday’s win over Northamptonshire and his return was welcomed by McCullum, who expressed “concern” when news broke of the incident involving the England captain.
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Brendon McCullum has raised concerns about Ben Stokes when asked if he will remain England captain.
“Ben will come back and take over as captain,” he added. “Everyone is excited about it, especially after seeing him have some form of success at Durham.
“My view on that remains the same. I have spoken to Ben every day since the incident and my assessment has been that I am concerned about him.
“But it was really positive to see him out there playing cricket and having a good time. It’s great to see him playing again and I’m looking forward to seeing him in a few days.”
Broad: Stokes will apologize for Oval defeat
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Sky Sports’ Stuart Broad says England’s defeat in the second Test against New Zealand will hurt Ben Stokes. He will know that ‘this result is the result of his actions.’
sky sports cricket Stuart Broad says Ben Stokes will take responsibility for England’s defeat in his absence and will be keen to atone when he returns.
“New Zealand’s 253-run win will hurt Stokes. He will feel a lot of pain as a result of this because he knows it stems from his actions,” he said.
“I’m sure he’s spoken to most of the squad, although he hasn’t said anything noteworthy publicly. There will probably be a face-to-face apology and they’ll take the next step.”
“He needs to say sorry, admit it was a mistake and then focus on winning the series, because next week’s result is important.”
“If England lose the series 2-1, there will be a ton of questions.”
England v New Zealand – Results and Fixtures
In the UK and Ireland, all matches are always shown live on Sky Sports.
Watch the third Test between England and New Zealand on Sky Sports Cricket from 10.15am (11am first match) on Thursday 25 June.
