‘Enough is enough’: England great turns on coach after Stokes saga
Updated . First published
England legend Michael Vaughan has said “enough is enough” when it comes to coach Brendon McCullum, as the fallout from Ben Stokes′ retirement rages on.
Stokes dropped a bombshell in the middle of England’s third Test loss to New Zealand this week, announcing his immediate retirement from international cricket after a storied career across all three formats.
Ben Stokes received a standing ovation. Getty Images
The 35-year-old leaves a gaping hole as captain, with the likes of Harry Brook and Joe Root in the running to replace him moving forward.
The way Stokes’ exit was handled divided opinion, with the ECB’s announcement coming at 3.25pm when players were on the field, before the all-rounder took a wicket immediately after the crowd learned the news.
The decision to retire and give up his England captaincy came just weeks after Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson were involved in a nightclub incident, which saw them both stood down for the second Test against the Black Caps.
Speaking on the Stick To Cricket podcast, respected commentator David “Bumble” Lloyd suggested the exit was because of Stokes’ frustration with the ECB.
“What if he’s utterly pissed off with his employers? I think there will be more to come out because from the adulation of his teammates and around the world, it seems significant that the board have been quiet,” Lloyd said.
Former skipper Alastair Cook said the off-field incident was the “final push” Stokes needed to hang up the boots.
“He hasn’t just woken up and thought about it – he’s had four months off and come back and hasn’t enjoyed it and felt something different,” Cook said.
“Whether that’s to do with the fallout from the Ashes, him and McCullum not on the same hymn sheet and it became awkward, then the nightclub incident.
“He was teetering on the edge and that was the final push.”
Vaughan – who has been outspoken in recent days – agreed with Cook’s sentiment and said it was “wrong” for England officials not to back Stokes.
He then declared time on coach McCullum’s time in charge of the side after a horror run of results over the past year.
“Enough is enough,” the ex-England captain said.
“English cricket has got to be better than that. I’ve written about it, I think Baz McCullum is a great guy – but he’s not a great coach.
England coach Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes. Getty
“To get to the top, that’s what we should all be aiming for as ex-players and fans, England cricket should be aiming to be the number one team in the world. At the minute, where are we ranked? Seventh and we’ve won two games in 10 matches.
“Those wins have come at Lord’s on a cesspit and the MCG, which was a two-dayer ... so the only two games that we’ve won have been on farmer’s fields.”
