McCullum goes from 'angry to gutted' after Stokes nightclub incident

England coach Brendon McCullum says his major feeling is concern for dropped captain Ben Stokes after another late-night incident. Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson broke curfew and were reportedly present when an England security staff member was involved in an incident with a Saracens rugby player. What's next? Stokes and Atkinson have been dropped for the second Test, starting on Wednesday. England coach Brendon McCullum says he was angry but also concerned about Ben Stokes after the nightclub incident involving his captain and fast bowler Gus Atkinson, which led to their omission from the second Test against New Zealand at The Oval. Stokes and Atkinson breached the team's midnight curfew and were reportedly present when an England security staff member was involved in an incident with a Saracens rugby player. "You go from being bewildered, to angry, to gutted," McCullum said. "Quickly, through talking to Ben and Gus, my emotion turned to worry and concern, for Ben in particular." Although managing director Rob Key downplayed talk of a "drinking culture" in March, the ECB introduced a strict midnight curfew. McCullum said he is in constant touch with Stokes to ensure his well-being, and decisions regarding his captaincy will be made at a later stage. "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," McCullum said. "We need to make sure we look after him, rally around him, and in time we'll get on to those sorts of decisions." Stokes was involved in an incident outside a Bristol nightclub in 2017, but was later cleared of charges. He took a break from cricket in 2021 to prioritise his mental wellbeing. "Whatever he is working through at the moment, it will be because Ben thinks that's right for dealing with what he's feeling at the moment," McCullum said. "We've always had the best intentions of English cricket at the core of what we are trying to achieve and the decisions we're trying to make." "Right now, I have a lot of respect, a lot of care for Ben, and I'm doing what I can to support him." Joe Root will captain a reshuffled side, with speedster Jofra Archer returning, and batter Jordan Cox and fast bowler Sonny Baker making their debuts as England lead the three-match series 1-0. The second Test begins on Wednesday. The ABC of SPORT Sports content to make you think... or allow you not to. A newsletter delivered each Saturday. [Image text:] WHOLE EARTH IG ASHES SERIE 658