England Test captain Ben Stokes addressed the media on Wednesday ahead of his return for the series-deciding third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. He strongly denied rumors of a fractured relationship with head coach Brendon McCullum, asking critics to give the coach a break.
The press conference follows a turbulent two weeks for the England squad. Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were left out of the team for breaking a midnight curfew on June 8, hours after a victory at Lord’s. The resulting fallout saw stand-in captain Joe Root lead the team to a heavy defeat at The Oval.
Key Details
- Stokes addressed the media June 24, confirming he apologized to his teammates for his actions.
- The England captain explicitly denied any rift with head coach Brendon McCullum.
- Both Stokes and Gus Atkinson received written warnings for the curfew breach but were cleared of a separate nightclub incident.
- The Test series against New Zealand is currently tied 1-1.
“It’s been a big misconception around me and Brendon. We are genuinely very good mates,” Stokes told reporters. He acknowledged the recent disruptions but maintained his focus is entirely on the upcoming match, eager to put the recent ECB investigation behind him.
Stokes confirmed he apologized to his teammates, stating that taking responsibility is part of his duty as captain. The England and Wales Cricket Board and the Cricket Regulator conducted a full review of the evening in question.
Both Stokes and Atkinson were issued written warnings for breaching contractual obligations regarding the curfew. However, they were officially cleared of any wrongdoing in a physical altercation involving a Saracens rugby player at a nightclub that same night.
Stokes was officially cleared to return to his leadership role on Sunday. He now looks to steady the squad at Trent Bridge and secure the series victory.