Stokes: Bren and I to work in different way

ENGLAND captain Ben Stokes has played down suggestions of a breakdown in his relationship with head coach Brendon McCullum but admits their partnership will “look a little bit different” this summer.

- BY RORY DOLLARD

Stokes and McCullum have performed a tight double act since taking the reins together in 2022, but appeared to take different paths during the humbling Ashes defeat this winter.

While Stokes adopted a grittier, more conservative method as the series progressed - delivering some harsh words to his team along the way - McCullum continued preaching ultraattacking cricket.

Both men spoke in support of each other at the end of the crushing 4-1 loss, but it has been reported that the postAshes review showed up signs of tension.

Rob Key, managing director of men’s cricket, insisted during a media appearance at Lord’s last month that there had been “no big bust-up” between the influential pair, and Stokes has now given his verdict.