Brendon McCullum says Ben Stokes is a good friend and denies suggestions of a rift
Following the events surrounding the defeat at the Oval, England once again find themselves under pressure for their results on the pitch and their behavior off it.
Stokes, McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key were backed following the coup in Australia.
However, England, who remain level with New Zealand 1-1 after two matches, are at risk of losing another series; They have won only two of the last nine Tests.
A series defeat against the Kiwis would be their second home defeat since 2014 and there would also be a defeat to New Zealand in 2021. England have not lost a series of at least three Tests at home since losing to South Africa 14 years ago.
“When it’s easy, anyone can lead,” McCullum said. “The true definition of a leader or leadership group is being able to lead in difficult times.
“I remember talking to Eoin Morgan after the 2015 World Cup and you know how close I was to him. He came up to me and asked me: ‘What do you think I should do?’
“I said: ‘Tough times don’t last long, but tough men do.’ And I think it’s no different; “You have to be prepared to go through some tough times, and if you can get through it and hold down the fort and keep your courage, then you know some good things are coming.”
McCullum again touched on England’s midnight curfew requirements after admitting some “uncertainty” following the defeat at the Oval.
The curfew was imposed following several off-field altercations during the Ashes.
Although the incident involving Stokes and Atkinson took place after the first Test was over, England said the curfew was still in effect.
However, Key explained that Atkinson claimed that he did not know that the facility was in operation.
“It’s now very well documented, not just the curfew, but our standards as far as protocols and things like that,” McCullum said.
“Time and space are important for you to enjoy, and we will always try to encourage this.
“But excess is not what we’re after and when mistakes are made you have to make sure you correct them and then we move forward as a team. That’s where we are at the moment.”
