The saga has heaped more scrutiny on the professionalism and culture around England’s test team — led by McCullum and Stokes — following a humiliating Ashes tour, after which a midnight curfew was reportedly imposed on England’s players and staff. | Photo Credit: David Rogers

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.

Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson were dropped from the squad last week ahead of the second Test against New Zealand starting Wednesday while they are under investigation following their night out after England’s victory in the first Test at Lord’s.

The night ended with a member of England’s security staff being reportedly struck by a rugby player from English club Saracens in a nightclub, where Stokes was present.

The saga has heaped more scrutiny on the professionalism and culture around England’s test team — led by McCullum and Stokes — following a humiliating Ashes tour, after which a midnight curfew was reportedly imposed on England’s players and staff.

McCullum spoke publicly about the incident for the first time on Monday and said his priority now is taking care of Stokes, more than deciding what the punishment should be.

“It’s been about how we support these guys, whilst not overlooking the fact that they’ve not lived up to the standards which we’ve set for ourselves,” McCullum said. “You can’t look past that, per se.

Published on Jun 15, 2026