McCullum worried for Stokes, no captaincy backing

Ben Stokes (left) and Brendon McCullum assumed leadership of England's Test squad in 2022

Published 19 minutes ago

Head coach Brendon McCullum avoided commenting on Ben Stokes' future as England captain but repeatedly expressed his "worry and concern" for the all-rounder.

Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have been ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval while an investigation is conducted into an incident at a London nightclub last week.

This marks not only the most recent controversy affecting this England side but also another episode in the distinguished career of the 35-year-old Stokes.

Regarded as one of England's finest cricketers ever, Stokes was cleared of affray charges stemming from an altercation outside a Bristol nightclub in 2017. In 2021, he stepped away from cricket to focus on his mental health.

"Our worry is for Ben, our worry is managing that scenario, ensuring we take care of him, that he feels backed by us and in contact with us," said McCullum.

"Those other matters will resolve themselves in due course."

During the celebrations of the opening Test win over New Zealand at Lord's, Stokes and Atkinson breached the England team's midnight curfew. They were present when a member of England's security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player.

Both will sit out the second Test at The Oval, where England have made four alterations to their starting lineup. Joe Root will take over captaincy duties from Stokes, with Jofra Archer, Matthew Fisher, and uncapped duo Sonny Baker and Jordan Cox joining the squad.

Last week, director of cricket Rob Key stated he saw no reason why Stokes would not represent England again, but he did not fully endorse him as captain.

And, during a subdued press conference at The Oval, McCullum declined all chances to indicate that Stokes would resume the England captaincy.

Instead, the New Zealander emphasized his commitment to supporting and looking after Stokes.

When questioned about the captaincy, McCullum said: "Whatever will be will be in the future. Those choices are not for the present.

"The priority is ensuring Ben is okay. We must make sure we look after him, gather around him, and eventually we'll address those kinds of decisions. For me, I'm just focused on staying in touch with him. That's where things stand right now."

Stokes has already resumed training, with the possibility of playing in the County Championship for Durham against Northamptonshire on Friday.

When it was suggested to McCullum that Stokes' desire to play again is a positive sign, the coach paused for a long moment and said: "I'm worried about Ben. That's all. I'll leave it there.

"I'm in regular contact with him, which is good. I have deep care for him.

"Whatever he is dealing with at this point, it will be because Ben believes that's the right approach for handling what he's experiencing now. So my worry is for Ben.

"He is fully entitled to make his own choices regarding those matters, and I urge him to continue doing such things because if it brings him some happiness and fulfillment, then that's beneficial."