Brendon McCullum has admitted he is “worried” about Ben Stokes after the England captain was dropped for the second Test against New Zealand following a late‑night incident at a London nightclub.

Stokes and fast bowler Gus Atkinson were omitted from the squad for the Kia Oval after breaching a midnight curfew in the wake of England’s victory in the first Test at Lord’s. The night out reportedly involved an altercation with a Saracens rugby player and has prompted an internal investigation by the England and Wales Cricket Board.

Speaking publicly for the first time since the episode, McCullum said his primary concern was Stokes’ wellbeing rather than the disciplinary fallout or the future of his captaincy.

“When I first found out, I was slightly bewildered. You go through a range of emotions,” McCullum said. “You go from being bewildered, to angry, to gutted. From the progress that we’ve talked about over these six months, and the standards we set for ourselves. To hear about this was incredibly gutting.”

McCullum stressed that both Stokes and Atkinson had fallen short of team expectations but insisted the human element had quickly taken precedence.

“Quickly, through talking to Ben and Gus, my emotion turned to worry and concern – for Ben in particular – and how we support these guys. That’s not overlooking the fact they haven’t lived up to the standards we set for ourselves.”

Asked directly whether the incident was serious enough to cost Stokes the captaincy, McCullum declined to be drawn, instead underlining his duty of care. There has been speculation that Stokes, 35, could consider resigning or even retiring, but he has yet to comment publicly.

McCullum’s unease was most evident when he was questioned about Stokes’ recent training stint with Durham and suggestions he is ready to play county cricket imminently. After a long pause, he replied simply: “I’m worried about Ben. That’s it. I’ll leave it at that.”

On the field, England have responded with sweeping changes. McCullum confirmed four alterations to the XI for The Oval, with Jordan Cox and Sonny Baker handed Test debuts. Jofra Archer and Matthew Fisher also return to bolster the attack.

James Rew is on standby for a potential debut behind the stumps if Jamie Smith withdraws to attend the birth of his child.

England XI to play New Zealand: Emilio Gay, Ben Duckett, Jacob Bethell, Joe Root (C), Harry Brook, Jamie Smith/James Rew, Jordan Cox, Jofra Archer, Josh Tongue, Matthew Fisher, Sonny Baker.