England head coach Brendon McCullum has firmly dismissed speculation of a fallout with captain Ben Stokes, describing him as a “good friend” ahead of the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
Questions over the duo’s relationship emerged after Stokes missed the second Test at The Oval, where England suffered a heavy 253-run defeat that allowed New Zealand to level the three-match series 1-1.
Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were unavailable for the match after being suspended for breaching the team’s midnight curfew following England’s victory in the opening Test at Lord’s. Their absence fuelled rumours of tension within the leadership group, but McCullum has now moved to put those claims to rest.
Speaking ahead of the decisive Test, McCullum revealed that he directly addressed the speculation when Stokes returned to the squad.
“I asked him where all this talk about our relationship had come from. He said he had no idea,” McCullum told reporters. “As far as I’m concerned, Ben is a good friend.”
The England coach stressed that both he and Stokes remain united in their vision for the team despite recent setbacks, including the Ashes disappointment and the defeat at The Oval.
“We’ve been through a lot together in leadership roles. At the end of the day, we both want what’s best for English cricket,” McCullum said.
Having worked closely with Stokes since taking over as England’s Test coach in 2022, McCullum said their partnership remains as strong as ever.
“It’s been a privilege to work alongside Ben over the last four years. We were incredibly close as a group and as a leadership pair, and that’s still the case. Ben and I are tight,” he added.
Stokes Back for Decider
England have made four changes to their playing XI for the third Test, with Ben Stokes, Gus Atkinson, Shoaib Bashir and Jamie Smith all returning to the side.
Wicketkeeper-batter Smith missed the previous Test while on paternity leave, while Stokes and Atkinson are back after serving their suspensions.
Despite recovering from a knee injury, Ollie Robinson has not been recalled, with Jofra Archer retaining his place in the pace attack.
England XI: Ben Duckett, Emilio Gay, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root, Harry Brook, Jamie Smith, Ben Stokes (captain), Gus Atkinson, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Shoaib Bashir.
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