But Stokes announced his adieu on the fourth day of the match itself, shocking everyone around. But McCullum said he "tried to talk him down."

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

England coach Brendon McCullum said his initial reaction of bewilderment and anger at Ben Stokes breaching team protocols has given way to "worry and concern" following the nightclub incident that has left his captain's test future in the balance.

KKR head coach Abhishek Nayar is under mounting pressure as his side has remained winless after the first six games of IPL 2026 season.

Ben Stokes remains confident that his side will rediscover their winning form and has thrown his full support behind head coach Brendon McCullum ahead of the home international summer.

Ben Stokes and England head coach Brendon McCullum, a former New Zealand captain, have been in a close alliance since joining forces in 2022.

England men's cricket director Rob Key has responded to recent criticism from all-rounder Liam Livingstone.

Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum avoided being sacked by the ECB despite England's woeful results in Test cricket over the past year or so.

England coach Brendon McCullum will keep his job despite the team's Ashes debacle, with cricket chief Richard Gould insisting he can "adapt and evolve".

Despite England head coach Brendon McCullum retaining his role, he now faces scrutiny due to damning allegations about the team's culture during the Ashes.