England head coach Brendon McCullum has expressed his willingness to team up with Ben Stokes upon the captain's comeback for the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

Stokes along with pace bowler Gus Atkinson were ruled out of the major second-Test loss while an inquiry into a London nightclub episode took place.

Although the inquiry findings remain pending, McCullum has stated that Stokes will resume his role as captain, which he has occupied since 2022, in Nottingham.

"Ben will return," McCullum noted. "He will return and lead as captain."

After a 4-1 Ashes series loss marked by off-field issues, both Stokes and McCullum rejected claims that their partnership had worsened during the Australia tour.

Subsequently, after England's victory in the opening Test post-Ashes against New Zealand at Lord's, Stokes violated the squad's midnight curfew while marking the win.

Discussing his bond with Stokes, McCullum told BBC Test Match Special: "You aim to keep communication open at all times.

"We share the goal of building a strong England side and securing on-field success, and that remains unchanged."

McCullum also noted that England director of cricket Rob Key had met with Stokes during the week.

"We have collaborated closely over four years," McCullum said. "We have accomplished notable successes while falling short in others.

"Our drive, confidence and goals for the team stay firm. We hold direct discussions throughout, which is normal in leadership roles. Mutual respect guides our approach.

"I expect strong cooperation in the coming week and believe we share the same outlook for the squad."

When addressing the media two days prior to the second Test at The Oval, McCullum voiced repeated "worry" and "concern" regarding Stokes.

Stokes featured for Durham against Northamptonshire in the County Championship and scored 95 on Saturday, his best tally in any format since last July.

Yet Stokes and Atkinson, who was in action for Surrey at Glamorgan, were pulled from their fixtures on Sunday to prepare for the third Test starting Thursday.

"I have spoken with Ben daily since the incident and initially felt concerned about him," he continued.

"Seeing him compete and appear to enjoy the game is encouraging.

"I will not share our private talks but it is good to see him active again and I look forward to his arrival soon."

This marks the latest in ongoing controversies surrounding England since their winter tours.

In October, white-ball captain Harry Brook was hit by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington before a one-day international against New Zealand, with Jacob Bethell and Josh Tongue also involved.

In December, during England's Ashes break in Noosa, opener Ben Duckett was recorded appearing intoxicated by onlookers, with the clip shared online.

"It proves frustrating, honestly, to handle these matters repeatedly," McCullum remarked.

"I favor an atmosphere where players feel liberated, enjoy their time and manage international pressures while touring, yet I do not accept certain actions and have addressed them firmly.

"I will maintain that stance. It is disappointing to manage these situations. I want us to focus purely on improving as a cricket team rather than other distractions."