England's cricket captain, Ben Stokes, is contending with significant disappointment following his team's 2-1 series defeat in Pakistan, as coach Brendon McCullum has revealed. Despite taking an early lead in the series, England faltered in the second and third Tests, succumbing to spin—a first for the team after being ahead 1-0 in a three-match series.
After being sidelined for two months due to a hamstring injury, Stokes missed the opening Test, which England won. Upon his return, he struggled to make an impact, scoring just 53 runs over four innings and failing to take a wicket in the ten overs he bowled. McCullum acknowledged that while Stokes is naturally disheartened by the outcome, his resilience and leadership remain steadfast. The team is dedicated to supporting him through this challenging period.
Stokes has faced intermittent fitness issues over the past couple of years. Much of 2023 saw his bowling limited by a persistent left knee problem. Following surgery in November, he resumed his role as an all-rounder during the home summer, but then suffered a hamstring injury during The Hundred in August. This setback caused him to miss four Tests, including the victorious series opener in Pakistan.
Returning for the second Test—a loss on a reused pitch in Multan—Stokes notably struggled in the decisive match in Rawalpindi. He managed only 15 runs across two innings and did not contribute with the ball. His captaincy appeared unusually passive as Pakistan's Saud Shakeel scored a century, tipping the balance in favour of the hosts. In England's second innings, Stokes was dismissed leg before wicket without offering a shot to spinner Noman Ali, a dismissal that left many puzzled.
England ultimately collapsed for a mere 112 runs, their lowest total in Pakistan, setting the stage for a nine-wicket victory for the home side. McCullum suggested that Stokes' significant injury might have subconsciously affected his decision-making and performance, highlighting that such challenges are natural under the circumstances.
With little time to regroup, England is gearing up for their next assignment: a three-Test series in New Zealand starting at the end of November. The squad announcement is expected soon, with minimal changes anticipated. Leg-spinner Rehan Ahmed is likely to be left out, potentially replaced by a batsman or wicketkeeper to cover for Jamie Smith, who may miss part or all of the tour due to the upcoming birth of his first child.
The first Test will be held in Christchurch, Stokes' birthplace before he moved to the United Kingdom at the age of 12. McCullum, a New Zealander himself, expressed confidence that Stokes will benefit from the forthcoming matches. He noted that a brief period of rest and a return to more familiar playing conditions could offer the team a valuable opportunity to rebound.