England cricket: McCullum voices concern as Stokes faces probe over protocol breach

England Test coach Brendon McCullum said a nightclub incident involving Ben Stokes shifted emotions fast. McCullum said anger and confusion eased into worry and concern.

The episode has put Stokes’ captaincy under fresh doubt. Stokes was present when a security staff member was reportedly struck at a club.

Stokes and Gus Atkinson were left out of the squad last week. The pair were dropped before the second Test against New Zealand, starting Wednesday. An investigation is ongoing into a night out after England’s first Test win at Lord’s. The night reportedly involved a rugby player from Saracens.

Ben Stokes investigation adds pressure on England Test team culture

The incident has increased questions about behaviour around England’s Test side. The team is led by McCullum and Stokes. Scrutiny has stayed high since a heavy Ashes defeat. After that tour, a midnight curfew was reportedly set for players and staff.

McCullum spoke about the matter in public for the first time on Monday. McCullum said care for Stokes mattered more than deciding sanctions now. "Its been about how we support these guys, whilst not overlooking the fact that theyve not lived up to the standards which weve set for ourselves," McCullum said.

"You cant look past that, per se.But at the same time, well deal with that in time and through a process. But for me, its very much about how we support these guys through the next stage, and in particular, Ben. And thats very much where my mind is at - I worry for him."

McCullum has worked closely with Stokes since joining as Test coach in 2022. McCullum declined to publicly guarantee Stokes stays as captain. McCullum said the leadership group must follow steps before any call. "What will be will be, down the line. Those decisions, theyre not for now," McCullum said.

"The concern at the moment is making sure that Ben is fine, and we need to look after him, rally around him, and in time, get onto those sorts of decisions."

England Test team alcohol rules discussed after Ashes concerns

Rob Key, England’s director of cricket, said last week the ECB was weighing an alcohol ban. Key linked the idea to signs of a drinking culture. Those concerns were highlighted again on the latest Ashes tour. McCullum said celebrations should be allowed, but kept under control.

"Im in charge of the environment and I take responsibility for things which dont work out - what you cant do is you cant make every single decision for people as well," McCullum said. McCullum said the job is to shape players handling pressure. McCullum said touring away from home for 12 months adds strain.

McCullum also said enjoyment still matters around international sport. McCullum said success should be marked, but not taken too far. McCullum said the aim is to keep standards clear while guiding young men. McCullum said that balance is difficult under constant public attention.

England Test team changes at The Oval with Ben Stokes absent

England made several changes for the second Test at The Oval. Stokes and Atkinson were unavailable, while Ollie Robinson was injured. England handed Test debuts to pacer Sonny Baker and middle-order batter Jordan Cox. Joe Root will captain in Stokes’ absence.

England also brought in fast bowlers Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher. Offspinner Shaoib Bashir was left out of the XI. The selection changes followed the off-field issue and injury concerns. England now waited for the investigation outcome. The decision on Stokes’ long-term role remained pending.

With inputs from PTI