Ben Stokes (Source: AFP)
Ben Stokes is reportedly furious on ‘not receiving’ any public backing from England managing director Rob Key and national head coach Brendon McCullum. It is worth noting that the legendary all-rounder sparked much controversy a couple of weeks ago with teammate Gus Atkinson for their involvement in the nightclub incident.
Both Stokes and Atkinson were subsequently dropped from the England team for the second Test of the series against New Zealand at The Oval.
Ben Stokes furious at ECB, wanted to retire: Report
As reported by the Telegraph, Ben Stokes felt that he received no support from Rob Key or Brendon McCullum following his involvement in the nightclub incident. The report also states that there exists a silent ‘civil war’ between Stokes and the ECB.
The ECB apparently wanted Stokes to step down as captain after the nightclub saga. Stokes, who felt cornered into resigning, reportedly threatened to retire from international cricket before making his comeback for the impending third Test of the series against New Zealand.
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The report read “Stokes was bemused by McCullum questioning his mental health and the face-to-face meeting with Key at Durham last week is believed to have been strained. Stokes went from acting apologetic in WhatsApp groups with England’s management to threatening to retire when he felt cornered into resigning as captain.”
Brendon McCullum denies rumours of a rift with Stokes
Several outlets in the past few months have also stated that the relationship between captain Ben Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum has become fractured since England’s crushing 1-4 Ashes defeat in Australia earlier this year.
However, McCullum himself has now denied any such rumour that links him to a conflict with the legendary all-rounder.
While speaking with the reporters, the former New Zealand captain said “I said to Stokes, do you know where this has come from, the conversations around our relationship over the last six months?”
McCullum then narrated Stokes’ response to the conversation, claiming that the cricketer said “No, I have no idea.” The England coach also stated that he considers Stokes as his “good friend”.
Ben Stokes returns for third Test vs New Zealand
On Tuesday, June 23, the ECB named England’s playing XI for the impending third Test of the series against New Zealand. After excluding captain Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson from the second Test in London, both all-rounders have now made their returns to the national team.
A few days ago, the England team management confirmed that the two cricketers will be returning to the England squad following their involvement in the nightclub episode earlier this month.
Under the leadership of Stokes, England won the first Test by 115 runs at Lord’s. In his absence, Joe Root took over as captain, with New Zealand winning the second Test at The Oval by 253 runs to level the series.
The third Test between the two sides will be played at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, starting from June 25 onwards this week.
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