'I think it's great for English cricket' - Ben Stokes welcomes Brendon McCullum's appointment as England's white-ball coach
"He (McCullum) obviously has taken this challenge on board because he feels like he can make a difference and he can help and that's something you want in your coach," Ben Stokes said.
After doing an excellent job as the head coach of England's red-ball team, Brendon McCullum was appointed as the head coach of the white-ball teams as well on Tuesday, September 3.
England's red-ball skipper Ben Stokes has formed great camaraderie with McCullum during their time together in the Test setup. Before McCullum was appointed the Test coach, the Three Lions had only won one out of the 17 Tests they had played. However, since he took up the prestigious role, England have won 19 of 28 Tests. The team has also adopted a fearless approach, fondly named 'Bazball', to rattle opponents and mesmerise cricket enthusiasts.
After McCullum replaced Matthew Mott as the new head coach of England's white-ball teams, Stokes expressed his excitement, saying that the New Zealander's partnership with captain Jos Buttler could be quite beneficial for the team.
Also Read: Brendon McCullum appointed as England's white-ball head coach
"I think it's great for English cricket. What Baz (Brendon McCullum) has given to this team and the individuals in the team and the confidence it has instilled in myself and the team is brilliant," Stokes told Sky Sports when asked to share his thoughts on McCullum's new role.
"I am really looking forward to the guys who are involved in the white-ball team to experience that as well. He is a fantastic human being and a great coach. I am really excited for the white-ball side to be able to go forward with Baz and Jos (Buttler) in front. He (McCullum) obviously has taken this challenge on board because he feels like he can make a difference and he can help and that's something you want in your coach," he added.
The former New Zealand captain would be in charge of both the Test and limited-overs sides from January 2025. He will be spearheading the team during England's white-ball tour of India and the subsequent Champions Trophy, which will be held in Pakistan.
Also Read: ‘Wants to bring that influence’ - Michael Atherton analyses Brendon McCullum’s appointment as England white-ball coach
Stokes appreciated McCullum's determined mindset and his ability to make an influence during his coaching tenures.
"You don't want a coach who's just gonna come in and let things just play out and whatever will be.. will be...but Baz is a very determined person to come in and make an influence wherever he goes in the world as a coach. I think it's unbelievable for English cricket that Brendon's gonna be coaching both teams," Stokes concluded.
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