New Delhi: England head coach Brendon McCullum He has admitted that he is worried. Ben Stokes The England captain was dropped from the squad and placed under investigation after a nightclub incident that threw his Test future into doubt.Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson were left out of the squad for the second Test against New Zealand after allegedly breaching team protocol during a night out 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 shooting a rugby player from English club Saracens at a nightclub where Stokes was present. The incident has intensified scrutiny of the culture and professionalism within England’s Test set-up.Speaking publicly about the matter for the first time on Monday, McCullum said his initial reaction of anger and frustration had now been replaced by concern for his captain.“It’s about how we support these guys, while not losing sight of the fact that they don’t meet the standards that we set for ourselves,” McCollum said.“You can’t see past it, per se.”“But at the same time, we’ll deal with it in time and through a process. But for me, it’s very much about how we support these guys in the next phase, and in particular, Ben. And that’s where my mind is – I’m concerned for him.”McCullum, who has developed a close relationship with Stokes since taking over England’s Test team in 2022, refused to publicly back his captain to continue as captain, insisting the leadership group must first complete its investigation.“What happens, happens. Those decisions, they’re not for now,” McCollum said.“The concern right now is to make sure Ben is OK, and we need to look after him, rally around him, and, over time, go to decisions like that.”The controversy has once again raised questions about England’s off-field culture. Last week, England managing director Rob Key revealed that the England and Wales Cricket Board was considering a ban on alcohol following concerns about player behaviour.However, McCollum said he would educate the players rather than completely end their freedom to celebrate their victories.“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 decision for people,” he said.“My job is to try and shape that environment, to try and mold the youngsters who are dealing with the high pressure and high scrutiny of playing international cricket on the big stage, and being away from home 12 months of the year, and the challenges that come with that.”Despite the controversy, McCollum stressed that celebrations should still have a place in professional sports, provided they don’t cross the line.“I believe there’s a place that never wants to end the joy, so to speak. I think it’s very important that you celebrate your successes,” he said.
England debut Cox and Baker.
The unavailability of Stokes and Atkinson and the injury to Ollie Robinson have forced England into a number of 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 have returned to the squad.Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has been left out of the XI, while former captain Joe Root will lead England in Stokes’ absence as England look to clinch the series against New Zealand.
