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Ben Stokes made a shock retirement announcement following the Trent Bridge Test match, where New Zealand defeated England, and claimed the 3-match Test series by 2-1.
After missing out on the second match due to investigations over the nightclub incident in London, Ben Stokes made his return as the national team captain for the must-win match of the series. Even with Stokes in the line-up, England’s performance was not sufficient enough to save the series.
Brendon McCullum reveals his thoughts on Ben Stokes' retirement
England head coach Brendon McCullum claims that he tried to convince Ben Stokes to rethink his retirement, but by then, he had already made up his mind, which made it impossible to take it in the opposite direction.
“When he confirmed to me yesterday that he was going to retire, first I tried to talk him down and... [it] became pretty obvious that he had made his decision and he was at peace within,” McCullum told Sky Sports following England's defeat on Monday.
Brendon McCullum reflects on his relationship with Ben Stokes
McCullum and Stokes worked together for around four years for the England National Cricket Team. In the last part of the journey, there were some controversies and speculations around the coach-captain bond. But Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum previously clarified that there was no difference between them. McCullum believes that Stokes is his good friend.
“From that point of view, I guess your emotion then leads on to just a bit of sadness really because you have been on this journey together for four years and it's been a real thrill. I feel very privileged that I've been able to work intimately with Stokesy throughout that and consider him a friend, a good friend,” he stated further.
“He is a leader of men, people follow him wherever he goes, whether that's on the field, whether that's in the dressing room, whether that's at the team hotel, people follow him because he's a vivacious character and he's a big presence and he has conviction in his thoughts and his methods.”
We're going to miss: Brendon McCullum
The former New Zealand keeper-batter reckoned that Ben Stokes' presence in the dressing room and on the field was something different, probably irreplaceable. Brendon McCullum said that they will definitely miss the presence of the pace-bowling all-rounder in the team.
“In a game of cricket, which has so many variables and inconsistencies, that is one level of consistency that he brings...he truly believes in every situation. I think that adds a real sense of calm to a lot of people around him. So we are going to miss Ben; we're going to miss that presence; we're going to miss his leadership and his performance, and it is difficult to replace someone like that,” McCullum added.
“I felt that the people that have supported Ben and this cricket team over the last 13 years since he's been involved, they deserve the opportunity to say goodbye and to show the appreciation for how much he means to them with one final walk out there,” he continued.
