Former England skipper Ben Stokes downplayed rumours of fallout with Brendon McCullum after recent retirement. Stokes decided to retire after England suffered a 1-2 series loss against New Zealand recently.

McCullum was also sacked from his role after the series loss and former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has been appointed as new head coach.

Stokes said he had different views and opinions but never did he once had a fallout with McCullum.

Stokes said on For the Love of Cricket podcast, “We never once fell out. Did we have discussions with each other that we had different views on and different opinions on? 100% and we both admit that. I think Baz has even said that himself. Did we have a fallout? Absolutely not.”

On the other hand, Stokes expressed surprise after vice-captain Harry Brook was handed over the captaincy. ECB have decided to re-appoint Joe Root as Test skipper.

“I think just if you think someone’s going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give them it. I understood the reasoning, but I was still like, well, what message is that sending to him? He’s vice-captain. And then the captain is not playing, but he’s not captain. What?,” said Stokes (via the aforementioned source).

Stokes gave his best wishes to Joe Root for the captaincy role.

“I wish him [Root] nothing but success. I hope he goes on and achieves amazing things in his role as captain. I told Joe, I said my only worry is just you. And that’s all I really care about now, just because I have seen what he went through and how much he put himself through for someone. He’s just always put the team first – he always comes second.”

England will next take on Pakistan in a three-match Test series, starting August 19.