Stokes Says England Face Highest Pressure in 4 Years as Decider Follows Nightclub Probe
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 24
Stokes Says England Face Highest Pressure in 4 Years as Decider Follows Nightclub Probe
2 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Jun 24
Summary
Ben Stokes said England are under their greatest pressure since he and Brendon McCullum took charge, with Thursday's third Test against New Zealand deciding the series at Trent Bridge.
Four changes bring Stokes and Gus Atkinson back after both missed the second Test during an investigation into a London nightclub incident; the ECB cleared them of violent conduct and issued written warnings for breaching contractual obligations.
England head into the decider after losing the second Test and six of their last eight, with another defeat making it seven losses in nine Tests and their first home series defeat of three matches or more since 2012.
Stokes said the two-week process left him frustrated and uncertain over his captaincy, but rejected talk of a rift with McCullum, saying they are "mates" and had stayed in close contact.