Ben Stokes' mum shares impact Brendon McCullum has had on England Test captain
![England captain Ben Stokes and his mum Deb (Image: stokesy/Instagram)](/upload/news/2023/02/03/1130.jpg)
Brendon McCullum has had a massive impact on England's Test team since being appointed coach in May last year, having taken over a side that had won just one of their last 17 Tests and guiding them to nine wins in ten.
Under McCullum England have played a more positive and aggressive brand of cricket, which has been termed 'Bazball' in reference to his nickname, and the 41-year-old has meshed perfectly with captain Ben Stokes.
Stokes was appointed skipper just two weeks before McCullum became coach and Stokes' mother, Deb, says McCullum has made a positive impact on her son, helping him become the inspirational leader that enjoyed such a successful 2022 on the field.
"He has developed more personal skills," she told The Podium podcast. "He's 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. Obviously Brendon and Ben get on really well.
![Ballance set to make Test return for Zimbabwe after Yorkshire racism scandal eiqrdidtziexinv](/upload/news/2023/02/01/89_m.jpg)
"I think 'they are both Kiwis so they have to get on well'! Both are from Aotearoa, both made huge steps in cricket in their own careers individually and [Ben] said to me 'we just clicked, mum'.
![Ben Stokes' mum shares impact Brendon McCullum has had on England Test captain](https://i2-prod.mirror.co.uk/incoming/article28790766.ece/ALTERNATES/s615b/0_Pakistan-v-England-Third-Test-Match-Day-Four.jpg)
"That's what it was. They are singing 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."
Having secured a historic 3-0 whitewash away from home against Pakistan in their last Test series, England are set for another fascinating duel as they take on New Zealand in a two-match series later this month ahead of a home Ashes series in the summer.
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