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Ben Stokes is going through one of the hardest moments of his cricketing career. His future as England’s Test captain has come under heavy scrutiny after the nightclub controversy. However, England head coach Brendon McCullum is more worried about Ben Stokes as a person.
The latest incident has shocked everyone in English cricket. After celebrating the team's first Test win against New Zealand at Lord's, things took a bad turn and created a situation that nobody expected. While the investigation is still going on, there are many questions but very few answers.
Brendon McCullum left deeply disappointed by nightclub controversy
Ben Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson broke the England National Cricket Team's midnight curfew after their massive 115-run victory over New Zealand in the first Test at Lord's. During the same night, England’s security liaison officer was hit by a Saracens rugby player, and he needed medical attention. Now, the ECB and the cricket regulator are investigating the matter.
McCullum got to know about everything on Monday (June 15) morning and was left deeply disappointed by what had happened. The England coach was shocked, especially because Stokes himself had played a key role in building the team's discipline and culture over the last few years.
Both Stokes and Atkinson were left out of the second Test against New Zealand because of the ongoing investigation. Even though he is not playing for England right now, Ben Stokes has already returned to training with Durham and Nathan Lyon hopes this is not the end. He is expected to play in Durham's upcoming County Championship match against Northamptonshire.
Brendon McCullum's top priority is Ben Stokes' well-being
However, there is still no guarantee that he will be available for the third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge because everything depends on the final outcome of the investigation. Amid the uncertainty over Ben Stokes' future as England's Test captain, McCullum is worried about the skipper’s well-being.
The head coach said that their first priority is making sure Stokes is mentally and emotionally okay. However, McCullum has stressed that team rules cannot be ignored. The England management believes that every player has to follow the standards set by the team, and the matter will go through the proper disciplinary process before any final decision is made.
They have not lived up to the standards: Brendon McCullum
Brendon McCullum stated, as quoted by ESPNCricinfo: “My overall emotion turned to worry and concern for Ben in particular. Since then, it has been about how we support these guys, whilst not overlooking the fact that they have not lived up to the standards we have set for ourselves. You can't walk past that, and we'll deal with that in time and through a process.”
The England coach continued, “For me, it's very much about how we support these guys through the next stage, in particular Ben. That is very much where my mind is at, my worry for him. The concern is making sure Ben is fine. We need to make sure we look after him and rally around him, and in time we'll get on to those sorts of decisions.”
Ben Stokes goes through emotional turmoil
Speaking about his role in this tough time for Stokes, McCullum stated, “For me, I'm just making sure I'm checking in with him. That's where things sit at the moment. [We're going to] keep communicating, checking in daily. We have spoken every day since this incident has unfolded.”
He signed off by saying, “There's been a range of emotions Ben has gone through. I am not going to share those with you. That's out of respect for our relationship and the confidentiality of it as well. I care about Ben and want to make sure we are doing the right thing by him. Ultimately doing the right thing by the team also.”
