NOTTINGHAM, England (AP) — England cricket coach Brendon McCullum insists his relationship with “good friend” and captain Ben Stokes hasn’t been strained by the chaotic events of the past two weeks.Stokes was dropped for last week’s second test against New Zealand, along with fast bowler Gus Atkinson, amid an investigation that found they “breached specific contractual obligations” on a night out after the victory in the first test at Lord’s.Stokes and Atkinson are back in the team for the third and deciding test at Trent Bridge starting Thursday — the series is tied at 1-1 — and a report in British newspaper The Daily Telegraph on Tuesday said there was a rift between Stokes and the team leadership, which includes McCullum.That was denied by McCullum, who said he had a “great catchup” with Stokes for more than an hour Tuesday morning.
“He looks ready to go, enthusiastic about the week, and from our point of view it’s nice to have the band back together,” McCullum said.“We’ve been through a lot together as a working pair in leadership positions here in English cricket,” the New Zealander added. “In the end, we both want what’s right and what’s best for English cricket, and we’re crystal clear on the direction we want this team to take.”
