Stokes and McCullum, a former New Zealand captain, have been in a close alliance since joining forces
in 2022.

But there appeared to be a difference in their respective approaches as England slumped to a woeful 4-1 series Ashes loss in Australia.

As allrounder Stokes opted for a more grinding, disciplined approach, as the series wore on, McCullum continued to stand by his mantra of ultra-aggressive “Bazball” cricket.

Both men backed each other in public at the end of the series and Stokes reiterated that position following media reports that a post-Ashes review had revealed tensions between the duo.