Brendon McCullum has admitted he is deeply concerned for Ben Stokes after the England captain was ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged incident in London.
The England head coach repeatedly stressed his concern for Stokes' wellbeing while refusing to be drawn on whether the all-rounder will remain captain once the matter is resolved.
Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson have both been made unavailable for the second Test at The Oval while investigations continue into events that unfolded following England's victory in the series opener at Lord's.
The development has placed fresh scrutiny on Stokes, one of England's most influential cricketers and a central figure in the national side for more than a decade.
However, McCullum made it clear that his immediate focus is not on leadership questions or future selection decisions.
Instead, the New Zealander insisted his priority is ensuring Stokes receives the support he needs.
"Our concern is with Ben," McCullum said.
"Our concern is handling that situation, making sure we look after him, that he feels supported by us and in communication with us.
"Those other things will work out down the line."
Brendon McCullum has admitted he is deeply concerned for Ben Stokes after the England captain was ruled out of the second Test against New Zealand amid an ongoing investigation into an alleged incident in London
|PA
The England boss was repeatedly asked whether Stokes would remain captain in the future but declined to offer any guarantees.
"What will be will be down the line," McCullum said.
"Those decisions are not for now.
"The concern is making sure Ben is fine.
"We need to make sure we look after him, rally around him and in time we'll get on to those sorts of decisions."
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Ben Stokes could lose his England captaincy after his latest scandal in a nightclub | GETTYThe situation leaves England without both their captain and one of their leading bowlers for a crucial match against New Zealand.
Joe Root will take charge of the side in Stokes' absence, while England have made several changes to their squad for the second Test.
Jofra Archer, Matthew Fisher and uncapped duo Sonny Baker and Jordan Cox have all been drafted into the team.
The uncertainty surrounding Stokes comes despite signs he is already attempting to return his focus to cricket.
Reports suggest the 35-year-old could feature for Durham in County Championship action later this week.
Yet even when asked whether that represented a positive step forward, McCullum's response again highlighted the extent of his concern.
"I'm worried about Ben," he said.
"That's it. I'll leave it at that."
Joe Root will captain England against New Zealand in the absence of Ben Stokes
|REUTERS
The former New Zealand captain went on to reveal he remains in regular contact with Stokes throughout the process.
"I'm in constant communication with him, which is great," McCullum added.
"I care for him immensely.
"Whatever he is working through at the moment, it will be because Ben thinks that's right for dealing with what he's feeling at the moment.
"So my concern is Ben."
McCullum also stressed that Stokes must be allowed to make his own decisions as he navigates the situation.
"He's very entitled to make his own decisions around that stuff," he said.
"If it gives him some joy and some satisfaction, then that's good."