Captain Stokes and coach Brendon McCullum have been all smiles after England won the first Test at Lord’s, apparently on the identical web page after a bruising Ashes winter. Within the run-up to the house summer time, each males denied Australia had broken their relationship.
Assessing the place they’re after this episode is principally executed by the phrases of McCullum. The New Zealander has spoken and Stokes is but to.
Two days earlier than the second Test, for which Stokes was absent, McCullum repeatedly spoke of his “fear” and “concern” for the all-rounder. Nevertheless, when Stokes returned to play for his county, Durham chief govt Tim Bostock stated he was “bemused” by McCullum’s take.
Two issues may be true on the identical time. McCullum stated he has been in each day contact with Stokes, and will have been given trigger for concern. In the meantime, the 35-year-old may have felt relaxed with Durham, away from all the pieces occurring with England.
Earlier than the Take a look at, McCullum wouldn’t be drawn on Stokes’ future as a participant or captain. He could have genuinely not recognized, and doubtless had a proper to be annoyed it was Stokes, of all individuals, who had allowed himself to be caught up in a nightclub incident.
Following a crushing defeat within the second Take a look at, McCullum confirmed Stokes’ return and stated: “I anticipate we’ll have the ability to work collectively rather well within the week coming and I am certain that each of us have that very same imaginative and prescient for this cricket workforce.”
Stokes will communicate to the media on Wednesday, whereas England practice in Nottingham for the primary time on Tuesday. There will likely be loads of observers.
