McCullum confused by stories of rift as Stokes returns

Following the events surrounding the defeat at The Oval, England once again find themselves under pressure for their results on the pitch and conduct off it.

Stokes, McCullum and director of cricket Rob Key were all backed following the hammering in Australia.

However, sitting level with New Zealand at 1-1 after two matches, England are at risk of losing another series – they have won only two of their past nine Tests.

A series defeat against the Kiwis would be only their second at home since 2014 – also a loss to New Zealand, in 2021. England have not lost a home series of at least three Tests since they were beaten by South Africa 14 years ago.

"Anyone can lead when it's easy," said McCullum. "The true account of a leader or leadership group is to be able to lead when times are difficult.

"I remember talking to Eoin Morgan after 2015 World Cup, and you know how close I am with him. He came to me and asked me: 'What do you think I should do?'

"I said: 'Tough times don't last, but tough blokes do.' And I think it's no different - you've got to be prepared to go through some tough times knowing that if you're able to navigate through that, and hold the fort and hold your nerve, then there's some good stuff to come."

McCullum again addressed the terms of England's midnight curfew, after admitting to some "ambiguity" in the aftermath of the defeat at The Oval.

The curfew was introduced following several off-field controversies during the Ashes.

Though the incident involving Stokes and Atkinson took place after the first Test had ended, England said the curfew was still in place.

However, Key revealed Atkinson claimed to not know it was in operation.

"It's very well documented now the point around not just the curfew but our standards around protocols and all those sorts of things," said McCullum.

"Time and place is important to be able to enjoy yourself and we'll always try to encourage that.

"But excess is not what we're after and when mistakes are made you need to make sure you iron them out and then we move forward as a team. That's where we're at at the moment."