For the first time, Blackcaps coach Gary Stead has addressed claims he was behind a plot to remove Kane Williamson as test captain.
In May, New Zealand Cricket rejected that indicated Stead wanted Canterbury skipper Tom Latham to take over in the longest format of the game.
On Monday, Stead was back on deck with the Blackcaps, fronting up to questions about his relationship with Williamson.
"I think it's very good," Stead says. "I think it's strong.
"I like him as a bloke, like what he stands for. He's a very values-based person and he adds a hell of a lot to the team."
Stead has offered the chance to give his side of the story over the alleged coup.
"There's no truth to it," he assesses.
The coach is at a loss to explain how or why the idea came to light, although he doesn't shy away from suggestions he and Williamson are "philosophically different".
"I think I probably have philosophical differences with every single person in the team at different times, and that's just about me being a human being and him being a human being."
It had been suggested Stead preferred Latham to take over at the helm of the side.
"That was certainly news to me… certainly had no conversations around that sort of thing.
"At this stage, Kane's our man. He's the guy we've backed, he's been a great leader for this team and I'm sure he will be in the future as well."
Stead and Latham, along with Christchurch-based Blackcaps including Henry Nicholls and Matt Henry, are a part of a group that's been dubbed the 'Canterbury Mafia'.
"I'm not sure where that's come from," says Henry. "Us poor Cantabs always get a tough rap - maybe they're all just jealous they don't live down here."
Whatever the case, the group will hope speculation has been put to bed.
