2026-06-22 09:32:02

Brendon McCullum has insisted his working relationship with Ben Stokes is the same as ever.

The cricketer was dropped for the second Test against New Zealand in the wake of a nightclub incident involving Gus Atkinson during a team curfew breach, but he will return as captain for the third Test, and the England head coach insisted there is still a “mutual respect” between them.

Asked whether the incident had tarnished relations, McCullum told reporters: “I’ve said all the way along we’ve worked together intimately for four years. We’ve achieved some cool things and we’ve let ourselves down on other things.

“Our motivation, our belief and our vision for this side have not wavered. We still want to make the England cricket team the best possible and to have long-term, sustainable success.

“We have robust conversations all the time and I think that’s to be expected when you’re in positions of leadership.

“There’s a mutual respect in how we operate and, normally, we’re able to navigate through those conversations and maintain a collaborative approach.

“It’s really important to separate the actions from the man. As leaders, we help set standards and try to abide by them constantly. Occasionally there will be mistakes. You address them and then move on.

“I’ve been very clear and very supportive of Ben, particularly this week. I anticipate we’ll be able to work together really well moving forward. I’m sure we still share the same vision for this team.”

McCullum has been in constant contact with Stokes since the nightclub incident and is “excited” to welcome him back to the England squad.

He said: “Ben will be back and he will be captain. Everyone is excited about that, especially after seeing him hit some form with Durham.

“My view on that has not changed. I’ve been speaking to Ben every single day since the incident and my assessment was that I was worried about him.

“But to see him go out there, play some cricket and enjoy himself was really positive. It is great to see him back playing and I look forward to seeing him in a few days.”

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