‘I’m worried about him’: Brendon McCullum breaks silence on Ben Stokes nightclub controversy

Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes (Image credit: X) NEW DELHI: England coach Brendon McCullum has admitted he has concerns for Ben Stokes after the England captain was dropped from the squad and investigated following a nightclub incident that has thrown his Test future into doubt.Stokes and team-mate Gus Atkinson were left out of the squad for the second Test against New Zealand after allegedly breaching team protocols overnight following England’s victory in the opening Test at Lord’s.According to reports, the night ended with a member of England’s security team being hit by a rugby player from English club Saracens at a nightclub where Stokes was present. The incident has intensified scrutiny of culture and professionalism in England’s Test environment.Speaking publicly about the issue for the first time on Monday, McCullum said his initial reaction of anger and disappointment had now been replaced by concern for his captain.“It was about how we support these people without overlooking the fact that they don’t meet the standards we’ve set for ourselves,” McCullum said.“You can’t look past it on its own.“But at the same time, we’ll deal with it in time and through the process. But for me, it’s a lot about how we support these guys in the next phase, and Ben in particular. And that’s very much my mind – I’m worried about him.”McCullum, who has developed a close bond with Stokes since taking charge of England’s Test side in 2022, has refused to publicly back his skipper to continue as captain, insisting the management team must first complete an investigation.“What will be, will be, it’s up. Those decisions are not for now,” McCullum said.“Right now it’s about making sure Ben is OK and we have to take care of him, rally around him and make decisions like that in time.”The controversy has once again raised questions about England’s off-field culture. Last week, England chief executive Rob Key revealed that the England and Wales Cricket Board was considering an alcohol ban due to concerns about player behaviour.But McCullum said he would rather educate the players than completely remove their freedom to celebrate a victory.“I’m in charge of the environment and I take responsibility for things that don’t work – what you can’t do is you can’t make every single decision for the people as well,” he said.“My job is to try and mold that environment, to try and mold these young men who are dealing with the high pressure and high scrutiny of playing international cricket on a bigger stage and being away from home 12 months a year and with that came the challenges.”Despite the controversy, McCullum stressed that celebrations should still have a place in professional sport as long as they don’t cross the line.“I believe there’s a place where I never want to kill the joy, so to speak. I think it’s vital that you celebrate your successes,” he said.

England debuts Cox and Baker

With Stokes and Atkinson unavailable and Ollie Robinson ruled out through injury, England were forced to make several changes for the second Test at The Oval.Middle-order batsman Jordan Cox and fast bowler Sonny Baker have made their Test debuts, while Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher return to the side.Shoaib Bashir has been left out of the playing XI, while former captain Joe Root will lead England in Stokes’ absence as England look to seal the series against New Zealand.