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Ben Stokes made a shock retirement announcement after the Trent Bridge Test match, where New Zealand defeated England and took the 3-match Test series 2-1.
After missing the second match due to the investigation into the nightclub incident in London, Ben Stokes made his return as captain of the national team to win the series match. Even with Stokes in the line-up, England’s performance was not enough to save the series.
Brendon McCullum expressed his views on Ben Stokes’ retirement.
England head coach Brendon McCullum claims he tried to convince Ben Stokes to reconsider his retirement, but by then he had already made up his mind, making it impossible to reverse it.
“When he confirmed to me yesterday that he was going to retire, the first thing I did was try to talk to him and… [it] “It became very clear that he has made his decision and he is at peace inside,” McCullum told Sky Sports after England’s defeat on Monday.
Brendon McCullum reflects on his relationship with Ben Stokes
McCullum and Stokes worked together for the England national cricket team for almost four years. In the latter part of the tour, there was some controversy and speculation regarding the coach-captain bond. But Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum had already made it clear that there is no difference of opinion between them. McCullum believes that Stokes is his good friend.
“From that perspective, I think your sentiment actually leads to a little sadness because you’ve been on this journey together for four years and it’s been a real adventure. I feel very fortunate that I’ve been able to work closely with Stokesy during that time and consider him a friend, a good friend,” he continued.
“He is a leader of people, wherever he goes people follow him, whether it is on the field, whether it is in the dressing room, whether it is in the team hotel, people follow him because he is a lively character and he has a big presence and strong belief in his ideas and his methods.”
We will miss: Brendon McCullum
The former New Zealand keeper-batsman admitted that Ben Stokes’ presence in the dressing room and on the field was something different, perhaps irreplaceable. Brendon McCullum said that he will definitely miss the presence of the fast bowling all-rounder in the team.
McCullum said, “In the game of cricket, which has so many variations and inconsistencies, there is a level of consistency that he brings… He really believes in every situation. I think that brings a real sense of calm to a lot of people around him. So we will miss Ben; we will miss his presence; we will miss his leadership and his performances, and it’s difficult to replace a guy like that.”
He added, “I felt that the people who have supported Ben and this cricket team for the last 13 years deserve an opportunity to say goodbye and show how much he means to them.”
