Ben Stokes has openly declared that he would love nothing more than to take on the role of England head coach one day, while also pointing out that former New Zealand skipper Brendon McCullum would probably still be in charge of the Test side if Stokes had not announced his own retirement weeks earlier. Stokes stepped down from the England Test captaincy and announced his retirement from international cricket after the three‑match series against New Zealand ended in a 2‑1 defeat in June, a loss that followed a 4‑1 drubbing in the Ashes at the end of the previous winter. For the first time since hanging up his boots, the 35‑year‑old appeared on the "For The Love of Cricket" podcast, hosted by his former teammates Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler, to discuss his future plans and to confirm that his retirement was indeed final.
"I want to be a coach," Stokes said straight away, adding that his ambition was to stay involved in the game in a leadership capacity. "Would I love to coach England? Absolutely. I would love to do that.
Will it happen? I have no idea.
I just enjoy the idea of being in a leadership role again, just not on the field." Stokes had captained the Test side for four seasons, beginning in 2022, and worked closely with head coach Brendon McCullum to overhaul England's style of play. McCullum’s own departure from the Test coaching role was confirmed just two weeks after Stokes announced his retirement during the fourth day of the third Test at Trent Bridge. Stokes admitted he was surprised by the timing of McCullum’s exit.
"If I hadn't made the decision I made four weeks ago, Baz would still be coach," he explained, recalling the informal conversation they had over breakfast. "When I told Baz I was retiring, he was making toast and I just said, ‘I’m done.’ He responded that he’d already been given a tap on the shoulder, but he’s thrilled to be moving forward with the white‑ball side, where he’s doing a fantastic job." The former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has now been appointed England's new Test head coach, and former England skipper Joe Root has been reinstated as captain. Stokes said he spoke with Root as soon as the news broke and gave him his full support, though he also expressed personal concern for his friend. "I love Rooty, I wish him nothing but success," Stokes said.
"He put the team first every time, and the pressure of being England's top run‑scorer weighed heavily on him last time. My only worry is for him – I don’t want him to go through the same strain again." While praising Root’s character and his partnership with Fleming, Stokes also raised a question that has been circulating in the England camp: why Harry Brook, the current Test vice‑captain and white‑ball captain, was not promoted to the top job after Stokes stepped down. England’s managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, has suggested that the timing isn’t right for Brook to take over, but that his "time will come".
Stokes disagreed, arguing that leadership opportunities should be given to those who have earned them. "If you think someone will be a good captain, just give it to them," he said. "Brooky is already vice‑captain.
When I missed the New Zealand Test, I thought, ‘Why isn’t Brooky captain? He’s the vice‑captain.’ It sends the wrong message when the vice‑captain isn’t allowed to step up when the captain is unavailable." Stokes also reflected on his own lack of prior leadership experience when he first took the reins, noting that he was simply seen as a good candidate at the time. "I had no captaincy experience when I took over. It was just thought I would be a good captain," he recalled.
When asked whether he might return to the playing arena for the home Ashes series next summer, Stokes was unequivocal. He dismissed the speculation that he could be coaxed back, even though Key admitted he would not be surprised if Stokes reconsidered. "I never thought I’d quit and then keep playing," Stokes said.
"I’m 35. If I’m not the captain, I think it would be hard for me to continue as a player. It’s not that I’d struggle to be led by someone else; it’s that I’ve given so much of my career to leading. If I play again, it would have to be as captain.
I was completely comfortable retiring and not looking back." When pressed on whether his retirement was definitive, Stokes answered with a confident "Defo" – short for definitely. He emphasized that his decision was final and that his focus now lies entirely on coaching and mentoring the next generation of English cricketers. Beyond the personal reflections, Stokes’ comments highlight a broader transition period for England cricket. The team is moving away from the era defined by the aggressive, fast‑bowling‑centric approach of the early 2020s toward a more balanced, skill‑driven style under Fleming’s guidance.
Root’s reappointment signals a desire for continuity in leadership, while the ongoing debate about Brook’s future role underscores the importance of clear succession planning. Fans can continue to follow the developments on Sky Sports, which will broadcast all England matches live across the UK and Ireland.
The upcoming three‑Test series against Pakistan, starting on August 19, will be shown on Sky Sports Cricket, and viewers can also stream cricket without a contract via NOW. The conversation around Stokes’ coaching ambitions, Brook’s captaincy prospects, and the overall direction of English cricket will undoubtedly evolve as the new coaching team settles in and the next generation of players steps onto the field.