Brendon McCullum backs Ben Stokes's decision to retire from ODIs, highlights demands of heightened schedules
India Today
England's Test coach Brendon McCullum views Ben Stokes' abrupt decision to retire from ODIs as an "absolute positive".
England's Test coach Brendon McCullum has backed Ben Stokes's abrupt decision to retire from ODIs, saying that the star all-rounder was weighed down by the demands of his heightened schedule as Test captain.
Stokes shocked the cricket fraternity after announcing his retirement from the 50-over format, saying playing three formats has become "unsustainable" for him.
"Yeah of course I am," McCullum told SENZ Breakfast when asked if he was happy with Stokes' decision.
He was asked if Stokes' move could become a trend for other players around the world.
"There are not too many all-format players," the former New Zealand captain said.
"He's probably in a luxurious position that he's able to do that, but also with the demands of the schedules and with his heightened schedule as Test captain, it would've become too much. He also has a young family and there's a lot going on.
"I don't know if it's symbolic of where the game itself is at around the globe, but I see it as an absolute positive, to be honest.
