Pure speculation - does Ben Stokes's decision have more to do with the relationship, or lack of it with Rob Key and the 'suits' rather than Brendan McCullum.

Probably does. Phenomenal player but the time had come. His body is creaking and the team he built is falling in a heap. So long, Ben, and thanks.
McCullum next?

I’ve found it very hard to connect with England in this management era.

No doubting Stokes has been a player of superb moments and he will be missed. Of the three managing the England team at the moment I’d have preferred Stokes to have stayed and the other two to have moved on.

Yes agree with your assessment of Ben Stokes and his career ....... but the fact that he opened, (it's not all about him , even today) and what has happened subsequently, in my opinion shows a total disregard for English Test cricket .... yes, I am a bit of a traditionalist, but I think this just shows what 'we' currently think of Test cricket in this country. (I'll take it all back, if we win)

Coop wrote:

Yes agree with your assessment of Ben Stokes and his career ....... but the fact that he opened, (it's not all about him , even today) and what has happened subsequently, in my opinion shows a total disregard for English Test cricket .... yes, I am a bit of a traditionalist, but I think this just shows what 'we' currently think of Test cricket in this country. (I'll take it all back, if we win)

Agree 100%. The manner of his exit smacked of attention seeking and self indulgence.