Stokes absent from second Test as McCullum expresses concern
ESPNcricinfo • 2 min read • Latest: Jun 15, 2026, 1:16 PM
Last updated Jun 15, 2026
Ben Stokes has been ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval after breaching team curfew. Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson were involved in an incident that is under investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board. England head coach Brendon McCullum emphasized his concern for Stokes’ wellbeing, focusing on providing support amidst this controversy. Joe Root steps in as captain as England makes four changes to the squad. Stokes has started training again and may play in the County Championship next week.
- •Stokes misses second Test following a midnight curfew breach.
- •McCullum expresses concern for Stokes' wellbeing and support.
- •Joe Root will captain England in the upcoming Test at The Oval.
- •England makes four changes to the squad for the second Test.
- •Stokes may play for Durham in the County Championship on Friday.
- 1:59 PMESPNcricinfo — McCullum 'worried' about Stokes' wellbeing after being stood down by England
- 1:16 PMYahoo Sports — McCullum worried for Stokes, no captaincy backing
- 1:16 PMBBC Sport — McCullum worried for Stokes, no captaincy backing
- 1:10 PMThe Guardian Sport — McCullum concerned for Stokes’ wellbeing after captain dropped over England curfew breach
"Stokes stood down for Oval alongside Atkinson Worried England coach says 35-year-old needs support England head coach Brendon McCullum has voiced concerns about the wellbeing of Ben Stokes, with the absent captain casting a long shadow over preparations for this week’s Test against New Zealand. Stokes was left out of the squad at the Kia Oval after he and seamer Gus Atkinson breached a midnight curfew following the series opener at Lord’s, with an incident involving Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa attracting an internal investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Continue reading...
"Brendon McCullum admits he is "worried" about Ben Stokes after the nightclub incident that led to the England captain being dropped for the second Test against New Zealand.
"Brendon McCullum refuses to be drawn on Ben Stokes’ future as England captain, but repeatedly speaks of his “worry and concern” for the all-rounder.
Sources
External links- ESPNcricinfoJun 15, 2026, 1:59 PMMcCullum 'worried' about Stokes' wellbeing after being stood down by England
Head coach stops short of saying Ben Stokes could return as captain after investigations into night out are complete
- Yahoo SportsJun 15, 2026, 1:16 PMMcCullum worried for Stokes, no captaincy backing
Brendon McCullum refuses to be drawn on Ben Stokes’ future as England captain, but repeatedly speaks of his “worry and concern” for the all-rounder.
- BBC SportJun 15, 2026, 1:16 PMMcCullum worried for Stokes, no captaincy backing
Brendon McCullum refuses to be drawn on Ben Stokes’ future as England captain, but repeatedly speaks of his “worry and concern” for the all-rounder.
- The Guardian SportJun 15, 2026, 1:10 PMMcCullum concerned for Stokes’ wellbeing after captain dropped over England curfew breach
Stokes stood down for Oval alongside Atkinson Worried England coach says 35-year-old needs support England head coach Brendon McCullum has voiced concerns about the wellbeing of Ben Stokes, with the absent captain casting a long shadow over preparations for this week’s Test against New Zealand. Stokes was left out of the squad at the Kia Oval after he and seamer Gus Atkinson breached a midnight curfew following the series opener at Lord’s, with an incident involving Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa attracting an internal investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board. Continue reading...
- Sky Sports—McCullum 'worried' about Stokes as England name much-changed XI
Brendon McCullum admits he is "worried" about Ben Stokes after the nightclub incident that led to the England captain being dropped for the second Test against New Zealand.
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