England Men’s head coach Brendon McCullum has indicated that discussions are in progress about changing the batting order for all-rounder Ben Stokes and wicketkeeper Jamie Smith. The team is preparing for their upcoming red-ball match against New Zealand at Lord’s on June 4.
This adjustment follows Stokes’ underwhelming performance with the bat, where he managed only 184 runs at an average of 18.40 during the recent 4-1 Ashes defeat. However, he excelled with the ball, taking 15 wickets at an average of 25.13. He scored his first century since 2023 during the home series against India in the summer of 2025. Since becoming Test captain in 2022, Stokes has typically played at number 6 in the batting order.
Stokes is recovering from an adductor injury he sustained during the last Ashes Test. His return to action with Durham in the 2026 County Championship was delayed due to an unexpected incident in the nets, where he was hit by a ball and broke his cheekbone. He came back to play in May, taking the new ball initially and bowling first-change in his next match.
Smith also struggled during the Ashes, scoring 211 runs at an average of 23.44. However, he has found form in the 2026 County Championship, amassing 450 runs at an average of 50.00, including two centuries while batting at number 3. With an overall average of over 40 in his 20 caps for England, he is expected to move to number 6, allowing Stokes to take the number 7 spot. According to ESPNcricinfo, Stokes is receptive to the idea, as he aims to focus more on his bowling.
“We are having conversations about switching Jamie Smith and Stokesy around. Both bring a lot when they are at their best,” McCullum mentioned at a Rothesay sponsors event, as reported by ESPNcricinfo.
“It’s about maximizing their contributions based on the team’s needs. We’re leaning towards it but have not made a final decision yet,” he added.
England is facing several challenges and decisions after a disappointing Ashes series in Australia. One notable absence is Jofra Archer, whose bowling workload is being managed after his IPL stint. Archer performed impressively in the IPL, taking 25 wickets in 16 matches, but McCullum confirmed he will miss at least the first Test.
“It’s not really up to me whether he’s available; I want Jofra Archer to be available for as much Cricket as possible across all formats moving forward,” he stated.
McCullum also mentioned that young player Jacob Bethell is expected to be fit to play at number 3 after returning early from the IPL due to a finger injury sustained while fielding. Shoaib Bashir, who was dropped before the Ashes in favor of Will Jacks as the spinner, is likely to be the main spinner, with Rehan Ahmed set to feature for the Lions against South Africa A.