McCullum 'worried' about Stokes as England name much-changed XI

Ben Stokes: Brendon McCullum 'worried' about England captain as much-changed XI named for second New Zealand Test England head coach Brendon McCullum "worried" about skipper Ben Stokes after incident at a nightclub; Watch second Test between England and New Zealand, live on Sky Sports Main Event and Sky Sports Cricket from 10am on Wednesday Monday 15 June 2026 14:00, UK Brendon McCullum admits he is "worried" about Ben Stokes after the nightclub incident that led to the England captain being dropped for the second Test against New Zealand. McCullum was speaking about Stokes for the first time since an incident at a nightclub following the first Test victory against New Zealand, which also led to Gus Atkinson being dropped. Asked if the incident was serious enough for Stokes to lose the captaincy, McCullum said: "When I first found out, I was slightly bewildered. You go through a range of emotions. - Got Sky? Watch England vs NZ live on the Sky Sports app - Not got Sky? Get instant access with NOW - no contract "You go from being bewildered, to angry, to gutted. From the progress that we talked about and discussed over these six months, and what we're trying to do and the improvements we want to make, which includes the standards we set for ourselves. "To hear about this was incredibly gutting." He added: "Quickly through talking to Ben and Gus, my emotion turned to worry and concern - for Ben in particular - and how we support these guys. "That's not overlooking the fact they haven't lived up to the standards we set for ourselves." 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 making their Test debuts. Matthew Fisher and Jofra Archer are also included, while James Rew will make his debut if Jamie Smith is unable to play as he awaits the birth of his child. England XI to play New Zealand: Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (C), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith/James Rew, Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker. 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 (11am) - Third Test (Trent Bridge) - June 25-29 (11am) Watch the second Test of the England vs New Zealand series live on Sky Sports from June 17. [Image text:] CASTORE TOYOTA WHOLEFART CASTORE TOYOTA WHOLE EARTH