![Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum [Source: AFP]](https://onecricketnews.akamaized.net/parth-editor/oc-dashboard/news-images-prod/1781538162883_Ben_Stokes_and_Brendon_McCullum.jpg?type=hq)
Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum [Source: AFP]
Ben Stokes has been ousted from the England squad for the upcoming second Test against New Zealand at The Oval in London. The legendary all-rounder was officially replaced by former skipper Joe Root as England captain for the impending duel.
Just a week ago, Stokes was involved in a controversial nightclub incident, at a time when he and fellow all-rounder Gus Atkinson broke England’s midnight curfew to celebrate team’s 115-run win over New Zealand in the series opener.
While a certain George Dobell report indicated that the 35-year-old might take retirement following his latest ordeal, England head coach Brendon McCullum also dropped a veil hint of the same. While speaking with the reporters at a press conference, McCullum also spoke about the well-being of the ousted cricketer, and stated that he is in constant touch with him.
Brendon McCullum refuses to discuss Ben Stokes’ return timeline
While speaking with the reporters, England coach Brendon McCullum stated that the England team management is currently looking out for Ben Stokes in his time of need.
Also Read- Ben Stokes' Retirement All But Confirmed After Nightclub Controversy
However, the former New Zealand captain also stopped short of discussing Stokes’ future plans, but his acknowledgement that major decisions remain to be made down the line has led to speculation that the cricketer’s retirement could be among the possibilities.
McCullum said “Our concern is with Ben, our concern is handling that situation, making sure we look after him, that he feels supported by us and in communication with us. Those other things will work out down the line.”
He added “What will be will be down the line. Those decisions are not for now. The concern is making sure Ben is fine. We need to make sure we look after him, rally around him, and in time we'll get on to those sorts of decisions. For me, I'm just making sure I'm checking in with him. That's where things sit at the moment.”
McCullum in “constant communication” with Ben Stokes
Brendon McCullum also added that he is in constant communication with the Test skipper, and his only concern right now is Ben Stokes.
He said “I'm worried about Ben. That's it. I'll leave it at that. I'm in constant communication with him, which is great. I care for him immensely. Whatever he is working through at the moment, it will be because Ben thinks that's right for dealing with what he's feeling at the moment. So my concern is Ben.”
Speaking on Ben Stokes playing County Championship matches during his time away from the England team, the coach said “He's very entitled to make his own decisions around that stuff and I encourage him to keep doing stuff like that because if it gives him some joy and some satisfaction, then that's good.”
Amid his exile from the team in the middle of a pending investigation from the ECB, Stokes is reportedly gearing up to play a County Championship match for Durham against Northamptonshire later this week.
England name playing XI for second Test
On June 15, the ECB named England’s playing XI for the upcoming second Test against New Zealand. The selection committee made four changes to the playing group, including that of Ben Stokes and Gus Atkinson following their controversy.
In-form paceman Ollie Robinson and ace spinner Shoaib Bashir were also dropped from the playing XI, with the ECB naming debutants Jordan Cox and Hampshire fast bowler Sonny Baker in the team instead. Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher will also be making their respective returns into England’s Test setup. Here is a look at England’s complete playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand.
England playing XI for 2nd Test vs NZ: Joe Root (c), Jofra Archer, Sonny Baker, Jacob Bethell, Harry Brook, Jordan Cox, Ben Duckett, Matt Fisher, Emilio Gay, Jamie Smith (wk) and Josh Tongue.
Under the leadership of Ben Stokes, England won the first Test by 115 runs last week at Lord’s to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series. With Joe Root at the helm, England will now face New Zealand between June 17 and June 21 at The Oval in London this week.
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