England’s Test skipper Ben Stokes on Thursday (9th June) praised newly appointed head coach Brendon MCcullum, saying that his energy has been a lift for everyone in the dressing room.
England’s new era under Stokes and McCullum started with a 5-wicket victory against New Zealand in the first Test at Lord’s. They displayed a staggering performance in all departments and it was a collective effort from the whole side to register their first win under a new skipper and coach.
Despite all the hammerings in the recent past, English players looked very optimistic on the field and many credited the duo of new skipper Stokes and McCullum for the positive change in the team.
With the second match slated to take place on 10th June at Trent Bridge, England will be looking forward to continuing their good run under Stokes and McCullum.
Speaking to Sky Sports ahead of the second Test against New Zealand, Ben Stokes said that it was ‘fantastic’ for him and McCullum to start their stint with the win. He talked about how they as a group have enjoyed the last few weeks.
"It was fantastic. Obviously coming into the second game with a win under our belts straight away, with me captain and Brendon as coach, it is better than losing. One of the great things I have found about the last couple of weeks is genuinely just how much fun it has been. Sometimes the pressures of being an international cricketer, of delivering performances on a weekly basis, can get challenging," Stokes said.
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Stokes added that as players of the English side they need to understand that they should have as much fun as they can despite different challenges. He lauded head coach McCullum, saying that the kind of energy the former New Zealand skipper has brought with him has lifted everyone in the dressing room.
"But we are playing for England and, when you play for your country, first and foremost the thing is to make sure you have as much fun as you can. The energy that Baz has brought, it has almost been a lift for everyone. It has been great having his enthusiasm and energy around the group," he said.
England have already named their playing XI for the second Test. Jack Leach is back in the side after he was ruled out on the first day of the Lord’s Test due to a concussion.
England playing XI for the second Test: Zak Crawley, Alex Lees, Ollie Pope, Joe Root, Jonathan Bairstow, Ben Stokes (c), Ben Foakes (wk), Matthew Potts, Jack Leach, Stuart Broad, James Anderson.
(ANI inputs)
