Finally, the dam of patience of Brendon McCullum broke, broke silence on the news of rift with Ben Stokes

New Delhi. England is preparing for the decisive third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge. Stokes has returned to the team after being left out of the second Test played at the Oval due to violating the team’s midnight curfew. Ben Stokes’ return to the team is very important for England, because after losing badly in the second test, the host team has lost its lead in the series. At present the three-match series is tied at 1-1. Meanwhile, head coach Brendon McCullum has dismissed speculations of rift with England captain Ben Stokes and said that both of them are good friends. McCullum expressed surprise at claims that their relationship had deteriorated.

McCullum broke his silence
McCullum told reporters before the series decider, “I asked Stokes, ‘Do you know where these things about our relationship are coming from in the last six months?'” He replied, “No, I have no idea.” I told him, “As far as I am concerned, I consider you a good friend.”

In Stokes’s absence, concerns had increased about the McCullum-Stokes partnership, especially when the England coach had expressed concern for the captain before the second Test. Durham head coach Ryan Campbell said afterwards that Stokes was in good spirits, while chief executive Tim Bostock said he was surprised by McCullum’s words. Clarifying his views, McCullum said that the situation has improved a lot. He said, “Initially, I was a little worried, but now I see that he is looking very good and ready to play. He seems excited for this match and it is good to have the team back together.”

‘It is my pleasure to work with Stokes’
McCullum stressed the strength of their partnership, saying, “It has been a real privilege for me to work with Ben (Stokes). I fondly remember the times when we were so close as a group and as a pair. Apart from that, other things are beyond our control. Ben and I are close friends.”

This connection was clearly visible in England’s training session in Nottingham. Stokes and McCullum hugged each other before discussing plans with selector Marcus North before the team announcement. McCullum said, “I think he batted brilliantly. He even messaged me asking, ‘Did you see the highlights?’ I said I had and he replied, ‘I am back.'”

Do or die match for England
The third test is important for England. A defeat would deny New Zealand a rare opportunity to win a series in England and would further raise concerns about England’s red-ball performance, having won only two of their last nine Test matches. However, McCullum believes that only difficult times bring out the true capabilities of a leadership team. He said, “Anyone can lead when things are easy. The true identity of a leader or a leadership group lies in their ability to lead in difficult times.”