Brendon McCullum delighted for Alastair Cook

Brendon McCullum says he is thrilled to see Alastair Cook go from "some dark places" to an Ashes-winning captain.

Writing in his column for the Daily Mail, the New Zealand skipper confirmed he had sent a text message to Cook during England’s struggles last year.

McCullum says the two have bonded since the summer and was delighted to see the England captain lead his team to victory over the Australians.

"Last year, when Alastair Cook was being taken to some dark places by the game of cricket, I dropped him a quick text message - just as a show of support, from one captain to another," McCullum wrote in his column.

"No one who has played the game can honestly claim they haven’t been in those places themselves.

"I’ve always admired Cook’s toughness and I get on well with him. But not all captains around the world are bosom buddies.

"I wanted to pass on a simple message: tough times don’t last, but tough blokes do. He responded to my message and we’ve exchanged a few since.

"We also bonded earlier in the summer when both our sides were trying to play an exciting brand of cricket during our drawn Test series.

"So to see him emerge from those low times and captain England to an excellent Ashes victory is a real thrill. I’m delighted for him."