Stokes apologises to teammates after nightclub controversy

Ben Stokes has revealed that one of his first acts on returning as England captain was to apologise to his teammates after missing the last Test following a curfew breach during a nightclub incident.

"Of course [I apologised]. That was one of the first things I had to do as a captain," Stokes said ahead of the third and final Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

"It affected Joe Root, the squad, the people outside the playing environment. It no doubt had an effect on lads who were making their debut. That should have been all about them."

"You need to be big enough and man enough to take that upon your shoulders, and look everyone who it has affected in the eye and apologise."

Stokes said he addressed the squad on his return, accepting responsibility before shifting focus to the series-deciding Test.

"I did need to acknowledge a few things to the team, and the team only, and I feel like I voiced those quite well to everyone."

England suffered a 253-run defeat in Stokes' absence while he represented Durham to regain match fitness. Joe Root, whom Stokes had succeeded as captain, stepped in and faced criticism for some tactical decisions.

"As his friend, it was hard to see the reaction that he got. Seeing the effect that it had on Joe from public opinion was hard to read from my point of view."

"That shouldn't take away the courage that Joe showed in taking that on that week. It would have been very easy for him to have said, 'Nah, I don't need this.' But he put the team first as he's done on multiple occasions."

Stokes admitted this was the most scrutiny he and head coach Brendon McCullum had faced since taking charge.

"This is definitely the highest amount of pressure we've been under since me and Baz became coach and captain. That's fine. It's how you deal with it that proves if you're a good leader or not."