"A bit of Brendon McCullum is just what this test side needs."
That was the verdict from Ben Stokes, as England gathered for their first training at Lord's, but what happened after training left the skipper searching for words - as the Stokes family pulled off a very special surprise for the new captain.
There were nerves, there was excitement… there was nervous excitement.
As an unsuspecting Stokes finished up at training, brother James tracked the team bus from his hiding place and mum Deborah continued to pace.
For weeks, she had kept the secret that she wasn't travelling from Christchurch alone.
"I just wanted to give Ben another lift," she told Newshub, because the last few years have been tough for the NZ-born England captain.
Stokes was cleared of affray in a 2018 trial, then dad Ged Stokes - a former Kiwis rugby league international - died in late 2020. Months later, the 30-year-old took indefinite leave from the game to focus on his mental health.
This week, he's back at Lord's, as England's new test skipper.
"I'm just really proud," James Stokes told Newshub. "I know the old man is up there looking down, proud as punch.
"Dad did everything for Ben, took him everywhere, and now he's here."
Last time the family was together was before Ged's passing. Ben was unable to return home for the funeral, so this reunion was long overdue.
And there was only one person - brother James - who was about to tear mum and son apart. The profanities and tears flowed in equal measure.
"That hug's been a long time coming," Deborah said. "It has no doubt about it."
The reunion maked a big start to a very big week for the all-rounder.
"Being captain for the first time, it's great to have family around for that," said Stokes. "It's a pretty special moment."
The skipper's spirits were already high, after a successful first training with former Blackcaps skipper McCullum as coach.
"I'm really excited to work with him," Stokes added. "It's just what this test side needs, just a bit of Brendon McCullum."
If England can defeat New Zealand in the upcoming test series, the Stokes family will be happy either way.
