Ben Stokes: Brendon McCullum ‘worried’ about England captain as XI changes for second New Zealand Test | cricket news

Brendon McCullum admits he is “worried” about Ben Stokes after the nightclub incident saw the England captain dropped for the second Test against New Zealand.

Stokes at the Kia Oval and pacer Gus Atkinson were dropped from the squad after breaking a midnight curfew after the series opener at Lord’s, where a Saracens rugby player attracted an internal investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

McCullum was speaking about Stokes for the first time since the incident Nightclub after the first Test win against New Zealand, which also resulted in Atkinson being dropped.

There were suggestions that Stokes would resign immediately or even retire but, with no public response from the 35-year-old, McCullum repeatedly focused on Stokes’ welfare.

Speaking on Monday, McCullum said his duty of care came before disciplinary matters or the effectiveness of Stokes’ reign as captain.

Asked if Stokes’ loss of captaincy was serious enough, McCullum said: “When I first found out, I was a bit shocked. You go through different emotions.

“You get confused, angry, frustrated. From the progress we’ve talked about and discussed in these six months, and what we’re trying to do and the improvements we want to make, including the standards we’ve set for ourselves.

“It was incredibly disappointing to hear about it,” he said of the episode at a Chelsea nightspot.

He added: “Quickly speaking to Ben and Gus, my emotions changed to worry and concern – especially for Ben – and how we support these guys.

“It doesn’t go unnoticed that they didn’t live up to the standards we set for ourselves.”

Asked if he was encouraged by Stokes’ presence in training with Durham in recent days and word he was ready to play for the county against Northamptonshire on Friday, McCullum took a deep breath and a seven-second pause.

“I’m worried about Ben. That’s it,” she said. “I’ll give it up.”

What can New Zealand do to England’s problems?

New Zealand’s Rachin Ravindra was asked about his thoughts on England’s problems off the pitch.

The 26-year-old said: “We’re just focusing on us. Obviously we know Buzz (McCollum) well but we’re focusing on our cricket. There’s no curfew, but I can’t really comment on what’s going on with England and I haven’t been involved in the environment so the focus is firmly on us.”

Four changes to England’s XI

McCullum also revealed four changes to England’s XI for the Test at The Oval starting on Wednesday – LIVE ON Sky Sports – With Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker on their Test debut.

Matthew Fisher and Jofra Archer are also included, while James Reeve will make his debut if Jamie Smith is unable to play while awaiting the birth of his child.

England XI vs New Zealand: Emilio Gay, Ben Dockett, Jacob Bethel, Joe Root (c), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith/James Rew, Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker.

“James Rew was a back-up batsman in our team, but that was to cover the top-six role,” McCullum said.

“Jordan Cox, he’s obviously finished in the IPL. We wanted to see him come back and see what he could do before we pushed him into this role for the first time.

“He’s scored a double-century, which is a pretty compelling case. We think his energy and his goal game are a pretty good fit at No.7. We still see James Ryu as an exciting option for us – and he could get the nod this week – but Coxie is a great player. He’s been on our radar for a long time.”

England’s four-man seam attack has won the previous 29 Test caps between them as McCullum looks to rebuild the pace bowling depth since the retirements of James Anderson and Stuart Broad.

“We knew we wanted to build a battery of fast bowlers,” McCullum said. “I look at that line-up we have this week and it’s very exciting. It doesn’t guarantee us success, but it’s a first real test of where we’re at. I’m quietly confident we’re going to see some exciting cricket.”

England vs New Zealand – Results and Schedule

All times UK and Ireland, all games live on Sky Sports

• First Test (Lord’s)- England won by 115 runs
• Second Test (The Kia Oval)- June 17-21 (11 am)
• Third Test (Trent Bridge)- June 25-29 (11 am)

Watch England vs New Zealand 2nd Test live on Sky Sports from June 17.