England's head coach Brendon McCullum has dismissed ongoing speculation about a rift between himself and Test captain Ben Stokes, stating the pair are "good friends" and have "no idea" where such rumours originated. The comments come as Stokes prepares to rejoin the squad for the decisive third Test against New Zealand, following his absence from the second match.
McCullum revealed he spoke directly with Stokes on Tuesday morning, enquiring about the source of the persistent whispers concerning their relationship over the past six months. "He said: 'No, I have no idea.' I said to him: 'As far I'm concerned, I consider you a good friend,'" McCullum explained. This marks the latest denial, following similar assurances during England's 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this year.
Stokes, alongside pace bowler Gus Atkinson, was unavailable for England's significant defeat in the second Test at The Oval. Their absence followed an investigation into a breach of the team's midnight curfew after their victory in the first Test at Lord's. The incident involved a member of England security staff being struck by a Saracens rugby player. Both players have since been cleared to return to the England setup, with Stokes resuming his captaincy duties.
Initially, McCullum had expressed public "worry" and "concern" for Stokes two days before the second Test. However, he now presents a different assessment. "My assessment was that I was slightly concerned, worried, now my assessment is that he looks great and is ready to go," McCullum stated on Tuesday, adding, "He looks fantastic, he looks ready to go, he's enthusiastic about the week and obviously from our point of view it's nice to have the band back together." Stokes' recent score of 95 for Durham against Northamptonshire in the County Championship, his highest since last July, appears to have bolstered confidence.
England has announced four changes to their team for the third Test, moving closer to the XI that secured victory in the first match. Stokes and Atkinson return, alongside spinner Shoaib Bashir and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith, who was on paternity leave. Ollie Robinson, despite being fit after a knee problem that saw him miss The Oval encounter, has been omitted, with Jofra Archer retaining his place. James Rew, Jordan Cox, Matthew Fisher, and Sonny Baker are the other players left out. The series currently stands at 1-1, and England, having won only two of their past nine Test series, faces considerable pressure to deliver a victory at home.
Source: UKPulse Media interviews