'We share same vision' - McCullum says Stokes has not tarnished relationship

Brendon McCullum insists Ben Stokes' actions have not impacted their working relationship as England's head coach prepares to welcome his captain back for the third Test against New Zealand.

McCullum confirmed Stokes will return as captain for the series decider at Trent Bridge following a week-long exile in the wake of a nightclub incident involving Gus Atkinson during a team curfew breach.

Asked whether the incident had tarnished relations, McCullum told reporters: "I've said all the way along we've worked together intimately for four years. We've achieved some cool things and we've let ourselves down on other things.

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"Our motivation, our belief and our vision for this side have not wavered. We still want to make the England cricket team the best possible and to have long-term, sustainable success.

"We have robust conversations all the time and I think that's to be expected when you're in positions of leadership.

"There's a mutual respect in how we operate and, normally, we're able to navigate through those conversations and maintain a collaborative approach.

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"It's really important to separate the actions from the man. As leaders, we help set standards and try to abide by them constantly. Occasionally there will be mistakes. You address them and then move on.

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"I've been very clear and very supportive of Ben, particularly this week. I anticipate we'll be able to work together really well moving forward. I'm sure we still share the same vision for this team."

It is understood the investigation into the nightclub incident - involving a member of England's security staff and a Saracens player - which led to Stokes and Atkinson being dropped for the second Test, is not yet complete.

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Despite this, Stokes and Atkinson were withdrawn from the remainder of their respective County Championship matches for Durham and Surrey early on Sunday, in a clear indication both will return at Trent Bridge.

England are in desperate need of reinforcements after shortcomings with bat, ball and experience saw them slump to a 253-run defeat at The Oval as New Zealand levelled the three-match series.

Stokes struck 95 off 118 balls for Durham against Northamptonshire on Saturday and McCullum, who expressed his "worry" when news of the incident involving the England captain broke, welcomed his return to form.

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"Ben will be back and he will be captain," he added. "Everyone is excited about that, especially after seeing him hit some form with Durham.

"My view on that has not changed. I've been speaking to Ben every single day since the incident and my assessment was that I was worried about him.

"But to see him go out there, play some cricket and enjoy himself was really positive. It is great to see him back playing and I look forward to seeing him in a few days."

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