‘Bewildered’ coach’s defiant stance amid Stokes uncertainty
Brendon McCullum admitted he was left “gutted” after the nightclub incident involving England captain Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson.
England’s head coach learned his two players breached curfew after the first Test victory over New Zealand last week, and later became entangled in an altercation where a security member was reportedly struck by a Saracens rugby player.
Gus Atkinson and Ben Stokes in happier times during the Ashes. Getty Images
Stokes and Atkinson are both under investigation following the incident and were made unavailable for selection for the second Test against New Zealand.
There have since been major question marks surrounding Stokes’ future as skipper, while there have also been suggestions he could retire.
Speaking publicly for the first time since the incident, McCullum couldn’t hide his disappointment, but said those feeling quickly turned to care for their wellbeing.
“To hear about this was incredibly gutting,” McCullum told reporters.
“When I first found out about it, I was slightly bewildered. You then go through a range of emotions, from being bewildered to angry to gutted.
“Quickly, through talking to Ben and Gus, my emotion turned to worry and concern, for Ben in particular.”
Stokes has been training with county side Durham since being made unavailable for England and is likely to play in their four-day match against Northamptonshire.
There had been some speculation that he may retire off the back of the recent nightclub incident, but McCullum stressed no decision would be rushed.
“Our concern is with Ben and handling that situation,” he continued.
“We need to make sure we look after him, rally around him, and in time we’ll get on to those sorts of decisions - whilst not overlooking the fact they (Stokes and Atkinson) have not lived up to the standards we have set for ourselves.
“We keep communicating, checking daily. We have spoken every day since this incident unfolded. There’s a range of emotions that Ben has gone through.
“I care about Ben and want to make sure we are doing the right thing by him. Ultimately doing the right thing by the team, also.”
McCullum reiterated that his playing group needs to start “trying to separate the action from the man” as they continue on representing their nation.
He also confirmed that he does not think his coach-captain relationship with Stokes has been “strained” as a result of this incident, despite reports the pair may have been on rocky ground after losing the Ashes 4-1 on Australian soil.
McCullum provides an insight into his players' actions. Steven Paston
The 44-year-old refused to say if Stokes will lose his captaincy due to this matter.
“We need to go through a process,” McCullum said.
“I look at the time, the last four years I’ve worked intimately with Ben.
“I’ve seen Ben be an unbelievable captain. I’ve seen him at his absolute best as a captain and his best as a player. He’s helped shape this environment.
“He’s had some incredible success doing it and I feel very lukcy that during that time we have worked so closely together. What will be will be down the line.
“Those decisions are not for now.”
Joe Root will step in as captain for the second Test against New Zealand, with the first ball to be bowled on Wednesday.
