LONDON, June 23, 2026 (BSS/AFP) - England coach Brendon McCullum has denied 
his relationship with Ben Stokes was damaged by the nightclub controversy 
that forced the captain into exile for the second Test defeat against New 
Zealand.

Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were dropped after breaking a midnight 
curfew in an incident at a London nightclub following England's first Test 
win at Lord's.

McCullum said he was concerned and worried about Stokes in the aftermath of 
the all-rounder's late-night antics, which sparked suggestions he might be 
stripped of the captaincy or retire from international duty.

The pair were largely cleared in two subsequent investigations, receiving 
only a written warning from the England and Wales Cricket Board for breaking 
"specific contractual obligations".

Two unprovoked attacks on Atkinson in the nightclub occurred when Stokes was 
elsewhere, while the Cricket Regulator ruled there was insufficient evidence 
against them to justify further punishment.

McCullum had declined the opportunity to publicly back Stokes while the probe 
took place, leading to renewed speculation over the pair's bond after a 
dismal Ashes defeat in Australia that was marred by drinking controversy 
surrounding England's players.

England slumped to a heavy second Test defeat in the absence of their skipper 
and one of their key fast bowlers.

But Stokes and Atkinson are back in the squad for the third Test, which 
starts in Nottingham on Thursday, and trained with their team-mates at Trent 
Bridge on Tuesday.

And McCullum claimed he is still on good terms with Stokes after a lengthy 
chat prior to England's net session.

"I've had a good catch-up with him this morning, an hour and a bit talking, 
and he was outstanding," he told reporters on Tuesday.

"He looks ready to go, he's enthusiastic about the week and, obviously from 
our point of view, it's nice to have the band back together."

Asked if recent events had made their relationship more tense, McCullum said: 
"Not at all. We talked about that this morning. I said 'do you know where 
this has come from, the conversations around our relationship over the last 
six months?'

"He said 'no, I have no idea'. I said to him 'as far I'm concerned, I 
consider you a good friend'.

"Obviously we've been through a lot together as a working pair in leadership 
positions here in English cricket.

"In the end, we both want what's right and what is the best for English 
cricket and we're crystal clear on the direction we want this team to take."