McCullum denies rift with Stokes as England captain returns to lead New Zealand series decider after nightclub controversy
England head coach Brendon McCullum held clear-the-air talks with Ben Stokes and insisted there is no rift between them, as the captain returns for the deciding Test against New Zealand following a curfew breach that saw him miss the heavy second Test defeat.
The nightclub incident
Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were dropped for the second Test after breaking a midnight curfew at a London nightclub following England's first Test victory at Lord's. Atkinson was the victim of two unprovoked attacks while Stokes was elsewhere, and a member of England security staff was struck by a Saracens rugby player during the same evening.
Investigations and punishment
Two separate probes followed. The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) issued a written warning for breaching "specific contractual obligations", while the Cricket Regulator found insufficient evidence to impose further punishment. During the investigations, neither McCullum nor managing director Rob Key offered public backing for the captain, with McCullum repeatedly expressing "worry" and "concern" for Stokes.
Clearing the air
On Tuesday, two days before the third Test, the pair spoke for over an hour at Trent Bridge. McCullum said the conversation was positive and characterised the episode as a "slight blip".
I had a good catch-up with him and he was outstanding actually. He looks fantastic, he looks ready to go, he's enthusiastic about the week.
Addressing speculation of a strained relationship, McCullum stated that both men were puzzled by the rumours. He added that they remain very aligned and that he considers Stokes a good friend.
Stokes's form and return
While England slumped to a 253-run defeat at the Oval without their captain, Stokes scored a fluent 95 for Durham against Northamptonshire. McCullum revealed that Stokes texted him after that innings, declaring "I'm back!" Both Stokes and Atkinson returned to training with the squad on Tuesday and are among four changes to the starting XI.
What's at stake
Thursday's Test at Trent Bridge is the decider of a three-match series locked at 1–1. The result could have wider consequences for the leadership duo, with McCullum declining to confirm they would still be working together for the Pakistan tour in August. However, he emphasised that one blemish does not undo the respect earned over four years of partnership.
