Ben Stokes Kept Brendon McCullum In The Dark Over His International Retirement

Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum - (Source: AFP)

It has been two days since Ben Stokes announced his retirement, and the world cannot stop talking about it. The 35-year-old took this shocking decision on Day 3 of the New Zealand vs England 3rd Test. 

Ben Stokes’ retirement came as a shock for everyone because it is rare for a player to call it a day mid-match. Interestingly, the players were not aware of the 35-year-old’s decision and got to know about it during tea on Day 3.

Brendon McCullum Kept In Dark By Ben Stokes

A latest report from IndiaToday mentioned that Stokes had only informed Harry Brook and Joe Root about his retirement beforehand. In fact, England head coach Brendon McCullum was also kept in the dark and only got to know about the drastic step a few minutes before the rest of the squad.

"He grabbed me when we arrived at the ground, and he said: 'Baz, I'm done. I was just like: 'Slow down, you don't need to make any rash decisions right now, let's just talk through this.'

'Honestly, I'm done.' I felt like he was very definitive in his thought process, whereas in my head I hadn't really had him at that stage yet, so I thought there was still room for negotiation. There wasn't."

Why Did Ben Stokes Not Inform Brendon McCullum About His Retirement?

Neither Ben Stokes or Brendon McCullum has opened up on the reason behind the delayed communication. However, it has reignited the rift rumours. For the unversed, after the nightclub controversy, there were reports that things were not well between the two.

The report stated that Ben Stokes was unhappy to see little to no support from Brendon McCullum after the ECB suspended him for the 2nd Test against New Zealand.

“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,” the report added.

Brendon McCullum Denies Rumours Of  Rift With Stokes

Also Read: Brendon McCullum Reveals Future Plans With England After Ben Stokes' Exit

McCullum himself has now denied any such rumour that links him to a conflict with the legendary all-rounder. 

“I said to Stokes, do you know where this has come from, the conversations around our relationship over the last six months?” McCullum stated.

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 Shares Final Verdict On Brendon McCullum Bond

Ben Stokes directly addressed suggestions that the suspension had damaged his relationship with McCullum. 

“There’s been a big misconception around Brendon and me. Me and Brendon McCullum have a professional relationship in terms of him being head coach and me being captain, and then we’ve also got a relationship away from that. We genuinely are very good mates, and have built a rapport away from cricket,” Stokes shared. 

“Not agreeing on everything shouldn’t be seen as a divide between Brendon and me. You are allowed to disagree and have discussions. Our relationship goes beyond me being captain and him head coach,” Stokes concluded.

Also Read: England’s Ashes Winning Captain Questions Ben Stokes' Retirement Timing