I'D BE STOKED

Baz would love Ben back in white-ball sides to help make England great again

- GARY FITZGERALD

BRENDON MCCULLUM would love Ben Stokes to jump on board his new white-ball bandwagon and help transform England back into world champions, He also gave his full support to current captain Jos Buttler, who has had to pull out of the T20 series against Australia starting next week with a recurrence of a calf problem. Buttler is also a doubt for the five ODIS.

Coach McCullum, who has accepted the tough task of coaching England in all formats, is keen for his Test skipper and "good mate" Stokes to be available for the "really big moments and series" which lie ahead.

McCullum also expects Stokes to remain in charge of the Test side - which the pair have transformed out of all recognition over the past two years for a good deal longer yet.