England coach McCullum 'worried' about Stokes after curfew incident

LONDON, JUNE 15: England head coach Brendon McCullum said he is "worried" about Ben Stokes after the captain was involved in a late-night incident that led to his absence from this week's second Test against New Zealand.

Stokes will miss the clash at the Oval after breaching a midnight curfew while celebrating England's win over the Black Caps in the first Test at Lord's.

The all-rounder and his England team-mate Gus Atkinson became embroiled in an incident involving Saracens rugby player Totoa Auvaa, prompting an internal investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

There were suggestions that Stokes would resign or even retire in the immediate aftermath.

But the 35-year-old's future remains shrouded in mystery ahead of the start of the second Test on Wednesday.

Speaking on Monday, a sombre McCullum said he experienced a range of emotions from anger to concern when he learnt of Stokes' antics at a Chelsea nightspot. But McCullum insisted he has a duty of care for Stokes' well-being that over-rides disciplinary matters or the viability of his reign as skipper.    �"AFP