‘Those decisions are not for now.’ – Brendon McCullum talks about Ben Stokes’ future as England Test captain

England head coach Brendon McCullum stated that Ben Stokes‘ well-being is more important than the future of his captaincy. This comes after the Three Lions announced their playing XI for the second Test against New Zealand, starting on Wednesday, June 17.

Stokes has been in the news for all the wrong reasons over the past week after he and fast bowler Gus Atkinson broke the team curfew and were subsequently involved in a nightclub melee last Monday. The pair are currently under investigation and unavailable for selection for the game at the Oval.

Stokes’ antics have also brought his future as Test captain into jeopardy, with Joe Root taking over the reins for the second Test on an interim basis. When asked about the all-rounder’s future as skipper, McCullum stated that now is not the right time to discuss that with Stokes’ well-being being his utmost priority. The former Black Caps captain is checking on his star player and will discuss other matters in the near future.

“What will be will be down the line. Those decisions are not for now. The concern is making sure Ben is fine. We need to make sure we look after him, rally around him, and in time we’ll get on to those sorts of decisions. For me, I’m just making sure I’m checking in with him. That’s where things sit at the moment,” Brendon McCullum was quoted as saying on BBC Sport.

“Our concern is with Ben, our concern is handling that situation, making sure we look after him, that he feels supported by us and in communication with us. Those other things will work out down the line,” McCullum said.

Despite McCullum extending his hand in Stokes’ support, the head coach did not give any assurance that the Durham player will keep hold of his position as the Test captain. This also comes after England’s Managing Director, Rob Key, did not endorse him as skipper as well. The former batter, however, did state that Stokes could very well still play for his national side in the future once the investigation concludes.

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