England coach Brendon McCullum on Tuesday dismissed reports of a strained relationship with Test captain Ben Stokes, calling the speculation baseless. Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson return for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge after serving a suspension for a curfew breach at a London nightclub.
In Stokes' absence, England slumped to a 253-run defeat at The Oval, allowing the Black Caps to level the series. McCullum insisted the pair remain tight. "I said to him, 'As far as I'm concerned, I consider you a good friend,'" McCullum told reporters.
The coach highlighted the partnership that has reshaped England's red-ball cricket since 2022. England now seek a series victory, their first in 18 months, when the decisive Test begins Thursday.