Brendon McCullum insists that England captain Ben Stokes did not taint their relationship with the nightclub incident | Cricket news

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Brendon McCullum insists that England captain Ben Stokes did not taint their relationship with the nightclub incident | Cricket news

Brendon McCullum insists that Ben Stokes’ actions have not affected their working relationship as the England coach prepares to welcome his captain back for the third Test against New Zealand.

McCullum has confirmed that Stokes will return as captain for the series decider at Trent Bridge following a week-long ban following a nightclub incident involving Gus Atkinson during a team breach.

When asked if this incident did not damage the relationship, McCullum told the media that: “I have said that we have worked together for four years.”

“Our motivation, our belief and our vision for this team has never wavered. We still want to make England cricket the best it can be and have long-term, sustainable success.

“We have strong discussions all the time and I think that should be expected when you are in a leadership position.

“There is mutual respect in the way we work and, generally, we are able to navigate those conversations and maintain a collaborative approach.

“It’s really important to separate the actions from the man. As leaders we help set the standards and try to live up to them. Mistakes happen. You fix them and move on.

“I’ve been very clear and supportive of Ben, especially this week. I expect we’ll be able to work well together going forward. I’m sure we still have the same vision for this team.”

It is understood that the investigation into the nightclub incident – involving a member of England’s security guard and a Saracens player – which led to Stokes and Atkinson being dropped from the second Test, has not yet been concluded.

Despite this, Stokes and Atkinson were withdrawn from the remainder of their County Championship games against Durham and Surrey earlier on Sunday, making it clear that both will return to Trent Bridge.

England are in desperate need of reinforcements after poor batting, bowling and experience saw them lose by 253 runs at The Oval as New Zealand level the three-match series.

Stokes hit 95 off 118 balls for Durham against Northamptonshire on Saturday and McCullum, who expressed his “concern” when news of the England captain’s incident broke, welcomed his return to form.

“Ben will come back and be the captain,” he added. “Everyone is happy about that, especially after seeing him hit the mark against Durham.

“My opinion on that hasn’t changed. I’ve been talking to Ben every day since the incident and he’s been checking to see if I’m worried about him.

“But to see him going out there, playing cricket and enjoying himself was really good. It’s great to see him playing again and I’m looking forward to seeing him in a few days.”

Broad: Stokes to apologize for Oval defeat

Sky Sports Cricket’s Stuart Broad says Ben Stokes will have taken responsibility for England’s defeat in his absence and will be eager to atone on his return.

“The victory of New Zealand by 253 runs will hurt Stokes. He will feel great pain from this result as he knows very well that it stems from his actions,” he said.

“I’m sure he’s spoken to most of the team, although he hasn’t said anything important publicly yet. There could be a face-to-face apology, and they’ll move on.

“He must apologize, admit that it was a mistake, and then focus on winning the series, because next week’s result is important.

“If England lose the series 2-1, there will be a lot of questions.”