Brendon McCullum has revealed a candid confrontation with Ben Stokes over rumours surrounding their relationship, insisting the England captain was just as perplexed by the speculation as he was.
The England head coach disclosed that he quizzed Stokes directly after the pair reunited ahead of the decisive third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge, with both men dismissing suggestions of tension behind the scenes.
Stokes returns to lead England after missing the second Test defeat following an investigation into an incident at a London nightclub, while McCullum has repeatedly been forced to address claims that their partnership has become strained.
Speaking two days before the series finale in Nottingham, the former New Zealand captain explained that he confronted Stokes over the rumours during a face-to-face conversation on Tuesday morning.
“I said: ‘Do you know where this has come from, the conversations around our relationship over the last six months?'” McCullum revealed.
“He said: ‘No, I have no idea.’
“I said to him: ‘As far as I’m concerned, I consider you a good friend.'”
Questions over the pair’s relationship intensified during England’s disappointing Ashes campaign in Australia and continued while Stokes was absent from the side.
Brendon McCullum has revealed a candid confrontation with Ben Stokes over rumours surrounding their relationship, insisting the England captain was just as perplexed by the speculation as he was
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REUTERS
The all-rounder and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were unavailable for the second Test after being stood down pending an investigation into an alleged breach of England’s midnight curfew following victory in the opening match at Lord’s.
The pair were present when a member of England’s security team was struck by a Saracens rugby player during a night out in London.
Both have since been cleared to return, with Stokes resuming captaincy duties for the crucial clash with New Zealand.
McCullum had sparked concern before the second Test when he repeatedly spoke of his “worry” and “concern” for Stokes, comments that prompted Durham head coach Ryan Campbell to insist the 35-year-old was actually in “good spirits”.
Brendon McCullum has nothing but positive things to say about England captain Ben Stokes
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PA
Durham chief executive Tim Bostock also admitted he was left “bemused” by McCullum’s remarks.
However, the England coach now believes Stokes is back to his best.
“My assessment was that I was slightly concerned, worried, now my assessment is that he looks great and is ready to go,” McCullum said.
“He looks fantastic, he looks ready to go, he’s enthusiastic about the week and obviously from our point of view it’s nice to have the band back together.
“It’s been a real privilege for me over the past four years to work in intimate detail and as a partnership alongside Ben.
“I look back on that fondly about how tight we were as a group and how tight we were as a pair.
“Anything outside of that, it’s not really up to us. Ben and I are tight.”
Brendon McCullum praised Ben Stokes after his fine form for Northamptonshire
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REUTERS
England trained in Nottingham on Tuesday afternoon, with Stokes and McCullum embracing before chatting with selector Marcus North.
Stokes also appears to have rediscovered his touch with the bat after scoring 95 for Durham against Northamptonshire during his brief spell away from the international setup.
“I thought he batted brilliantly,” McCullum added.
“He actually texted me saying, ‘Have you seen the highlights?’
“I said I had, and he said, ‘I’m back’.”
