Ben Stokes has strongly dismissed speculation of a rift with head coach Brendon McCullum, calling such claims “massive exaggeration” in the wake of England’s disappointing Ashes campaign. The rumors gained momentum after England’s heavy 4-1 defeat in Australia earlier this year.
Reports suggested that Stokes and McCullum had differing opinions during the post-series review, with both reportedly criticizing the other’s approach. However, Stokes has now publicly shut down the stories and insists their working relationship remains strong and balanced.
Also Read: Ben Stokes breaks silence on Ashes debacle, impassioned Instagram post goes viral
“YOU NEED DISCUSSION, DISCUSSION”
Stokes emphasized that disagreements with McCullum are healthy and stressed that success is driven by honest discussions, not blind consensus. Stokes added that while their approaches may differ at times, they both share the same goal and ultimately reach common ground through constructive debate.
“For me, it’s just not a healthy environment for sport, especially where everyone is just agreeing with everyone or saying yes to the person at the top. You need debate. You don’t need arguments, but you need discussions. Then you get to where you both want to go,” Stokes told the ECB’s website.
“As similar as Brendon and I are, we’re also similar in other areas. But the thing we both want to do is be as successful as we can be. How we get there might be the same here, but it’s a little bit different here – but we’re always going to be able to end up in the same place when we have those discussions,” Stokes said.
“IT IS IMPOSSIBLE TO AGREE ON EVERYTHING”
Stokes, who has partnered with McCullum since 2022, said they agreed on most matters, resolving differences through discussion and insisted suggestions of any lack of alignment were greatly exaggerated.
“Ninety-five percent of the time we agree on things, but the 5 percent of things where we might have different opinions, we talk about it and then we get to a place where we both feel we want to get there. To agree on every single thing, that’s just impossible. To say we weren’t aligned is a huge overstatement, I think,” Stokes said.
England will begin their Test summer with a three-match series against New Zealand starting on June 4. They are currently seventh in the World Test Championship standings with three wins and six losses from 10 matches.
– The end
Issued by:
sabyasachi chowdhury
Published on:
14 Apr 2026 16:01 IST
