McCullum and Stokes address rift rumors ahead of Test against New Zealand
ESPNcricinfo • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 23, 2026, 1:50 PM
Last updated Jun 23, 2026
England head coach Brendon McCullum and captain Ben Stokes reaffirm their friendship amid speculation of a rift. The two met before the third Test against New Zealand, which is currently tied at 1-1. Stokes missed the second Test due to an investigation into a curfew breach following an incident involving security. Both players have been cleared to return, with Stokes returning as captain. England is under pressure after two defeats in their last nine Tests.
- •McCullum and Stokes meet to discuss rift rumors on June 23.
- •Stokes missed the second Test due to a curfew breach investigation.
- •Stokes scored 95 runs in a recent County Championship match.
- •England has lost six of their last nine Tests.
- •The third Test against New Zealand is currently tied at 1-1.
- 3:04 PMESPNcricinfo — McCullum on Stokes' return: 'Ben and I are tight'
- 2:54 PMYahoo Sports — McCullum insists there's no rift with Stokes after turmoil in English cricket
- 1:50 PMYahoo Sports — McCullum confused by stories of rift as Stokes returns
- 1:50 PMBBC Sport — McCullum confused by stories of rift as Stokes returns
"England cricket coach Brendon McCullum insists his relationship with “good friend” and captain Ben Stokes hasn't been strained by the chaotic events of the past two weeks. Stokes was dropped for last week's second test against New Zealand, along with fast bowler Gus Atkinson, amid an investigation that found they “breached specific contractual obligations” on a night out after the victory in the first test at Lord's. Stokes and Atkinson are back in the squad for the third and deciding test at Trent Bridge starting Thursday — the series is tied at 1-1 — and a report in British newspaper The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday said there was a rift between Stokes and the team leadership, which includes McCullum.
"England head coach Brendon McCullum has described Ben Stokes' state of mind as "outstanding" and insisted his relationship with the Test captain remains intact after a challenging fortnight.
"Head coach Brendon McCullum said he remains "good friends" with England captain Ben Stokes and the pair have "no idea" why rumours of a rift have emerged.
Sources
External links- ESPNcricinfoJun 23, 2026, 3:04 PMMcCullum on Stokes' return: 'Ben and I are tight'
Head coach plays down talk of broken relationship after captain was stood down for second Test
- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 2:54 PMMcCullum insists there's no rift with Stokes after turmoil in English cricket
England cricket coach Brendon McCullum insists his relationship with “good friend” and captain Ben Stokes hasn't been strained by the chaotic events of the past two weeks. Stokes was dropped for last week's second test against New Zealand, along with fast bowler Gus Atkinson, amid an investigation that found they “breached specific contractual obligations” on a night out after the victory in the first test at Lord's. Stokes and Atkinson are back in the squad for the third and deciding test at Trent Bridge starting Thursday — the series is tied at 1-1 — and a report in British newspaper The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday said there was a rift between Stokes and the team leadership, which includes McCullum.
- Yahoo SportsJun 23, 2026, 1:50 PMMcCullum confused by stories of rift as Stokes returns
Head coach Brendon McCullum said he remains "good friends" with England captain Ben Stokes and the pair have "no idea" why rumours of a rift have emerged.
- BBC SportJun 23, 2026, 1:50 PMMcCullum confused by stories of rift as Stokes returns
Head coach Brendon McCullum said he remains "good friends" with England captain Ben Stokes and the pair have "no idea" why rumours of a rift have emerged.
- Sky Sports—McCullum denies Stokes rift as he praises 'outstanding' England captain
England head coach Brendon McCullum has described Ben Stokes' state of mind as "outstanding" and insisted his relationship with the Test captain remains intact after a challenging fortnight.
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