Speaking at his final press conference in England, Stokes expressed his “100% support” for vice-captain Brook as his successor.

“There was a reason they asked him to be vice-captain,” Stokes said.

Brook has been a substitute since late last summer but was preferred to Joe Root when England needed a captain for the second Test against New Zealand, amid the investigation into the nightclub incident that ruled out Stokes.

It has been six months since Brook’s late-night episode, when he was punched by a nightclub bouncer in Wellington the night before leading England in an ODI against New Zealand last November.

Key said it was not the “right time” for Brook to take on the job, even on an interim basis, earlier this month.

However, Stokes’ support for Brook was absolute. When given the chance, he didn’t defend McCullum or Key as strongly, saying he doesn’t have to make those decisions.

“They ask you to be vice-captain for a reason,” Stokes said. “It’s a natural progression. I see no reason why Harry shouldn’t be asked to do that.

“In recent weeks, some decisions have been made [about Root’s appointment] but I was not part of its creation.”

Brook is scheduled to speak to the media on Tuesday, the first time he will speak publicly since being passed over by Root.

The quick turnaround also points to the difficulties Brook would face if he were named captain in all three formats.