Brendon McCullum and Ben Stokes (Image Credit: X)

New Delhi: England’s head coach Brendon McCullum has admitted that he is concerned ben stokes The England captain has been dropped from the team and placed under investigation following the nightclub incident, which has raised doubts over his Test future.Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson were dropped from the squad for the second Test against New Zealand after allegedly breaching team protocol during a night out following England’s victory in the opening Test at Lord’s.According to reports, the night ended with a member of the England security team being assaulted by a rugby player from the English club Saracens at a nightclub where Stokes was present. The incident has intensified scrutiny over the culture and professionalism within England’s Test set-up.Speaking publicly on the issue for the first time on Monday, McCullum said his initial reaction of anger and disappointment had now been replaced by concern for his captain.“It’s about how we support these guys while not ignoring the fact that they haven’t lived up to the standards we’ve set,” McCullum said.“You can’t see beyond that.”“But at the same time, we’ll deal with it in time and through a process. But for me, it’s very much about how we support these guys in the next step, and in particular, Ben. And that’s where my mind is at – I’m concerned for him.”McCullum, who has forged a close relationship with Stokes since taking charge of the England Test team in 2022, refused to publicly support his captain to remain captain, insisting that the leadership group must complete its own investigation first.McCullum said, “Whatever will happen, will happen later. Those decisions are not made now.”“The concern at the moment is to make sure Ben is OK, and we need to take care of him, rally around him and make those kinds of decisions in a timely manner.”This controversy has once again raised questions on the off-field culture of England. Last week, England managing director Rob Key revealed that the England and Wales Cricket Board is considering banning alcohol following concerns about player behaviour.However, McCullum said he would prefer to educate players rather than completely remove their freedom to celebrate wins.“I’m in charge of the environment and I take responsibility for things that don’t work – what you can’t do is you can’t even make every single decision for people,” he said.“My job is to try to shape this environment, to try to shape these youngsters who are dealing with the high pressure and high scrutiny of playing international cricket on the big stage, and being away from home 12 months of the year, and the challenges that have come with that.”Despite the controversy, McCullum insisted that celebrations should still have a place in professional sport, provided they do not cross the line.“I believe there is a place where you never want happiness to end. I think it’s extremely important that you celebrate your successes,” she said.

England handed debut to Cox and Baker

With Stokes and Atkinson unavailable and Ollie Robinson ruled out with injury, England have been forced to make a number of changes for the second Test at the Oval.Middle-order batsman Jordan Cox and fast bowler Sonny Baker have been given a chance to make their Test debut, while Joffra Archer and Matthew Fisher have returned to the team.Off-spinner Shoaib Bashir has been left out of the playing eleven, while former captain Joe Root will lead England in the absence of Stokes as England look to clinch the series against New Zealand.