Developed more personal skills: Ben Stokes’ mother on McCullum’s impact on his son

Although England failed to qualify for the World Test Championship finals for the second successive year, the Ben Stokes-led side has made a rapid stride in the format in the last couple of months.

The appointment of Brendon McCullum (head coach) and Ben Stokes (skipper), has worked wonders for the Englishmen as the side has since then won nine games out of ten.

McCullum is widely known for introducing a fierce approach in the format, which brought positive results for the team. Meanwhile, Ben Stokes and Brendon McCullum share great camaraderie with each other and have often expressed admiration for each other.

In a recent interaction with The Podium Podcast, Ben Stoke’ mother Deb revealed how McCullum helped his son to become an inspirational leader, and made a positive impact on her son.

“He has developed more personal skills. He has always been very skilled at the game but his man-management and his ability to bring people together has been really good to see. He always had it in him, I feel but he just needed some guidance to bring it all together. Brendon and Ben get on really well,” she said.

Stokes’ mother also claimed that as both the cricketers are Kiwis from Aotearoa and did really well in cricket, they were bound to click well.

“That’s what it was. They are signing off the same song sheet which is the most important thing. Perception is everything in this because you can tell what a close relationship – personally and professionally – they have. That has worked really, really well and long may it last,” she added.

England are all set to tour New Zealand for a two-match Test series, starting from February 16, at Bay Oval, Mount Maunganui.