Ben Stokes has openly declared that he would relish the chance to become England's head coach someday, 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 retirement weeks earlier. Stokes stepped down from the England Test captaincy and retired from all international cricket after his team suffered a 2-1 series loss to New Zealand in June, a defeat that followed a 4-1 drubbing in the Ashes against Australia during the previous winter. In his first extensive interview since hanging up his boots, Stokes sat down with former teammates Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler on the "For The Love of Cricket" podcast.
The 35‑year‑old made it clear that his decision to quit was final and began to outline his longer‑term ambitions within the sport. "I want to be a coach," Stokes said plainly. "I know what I want to do after my playing days are over – I want to stay involved in the game as a coach. Would I love to coach England?
Absolutely. It would be a dream to lead the national side.
Will it happen? I have no idea, but the idea of being in a leadership role again, just not on the field, really appeals to me." Stokes held the Test captaincy for four seasons, from 2022 until his retirement, working closely with head coach McCullum to overhaul England's playing philosophy. McCullum's departure from the Test coaching role was confirmed just two weeks after Stokes announced his own exit during the fourth day of England's third Test at Trent Bridge. When asked about the timing of McCullum's exit, Stokes admitted he was surprised.
"If I hadn't made the decision four weeks ago, Baz would still be the coach," he recalled. He described the informal conversation they had over breakfast toast: "I told Baz I was done.
He was making toast and I just said, 'I'm finished.' He replied that he'd already been given a tap on the shoulder, but he's thrilled to continue with the white‑ball side, where he's doing an excellent job." The former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming has now been appointed as England's new Test head coach, and Joe Root has been reinstated as captain. Stokes said he spoke with Root as soon as the news broke and voiced his full support for his former teammate's second stint in charge.
However, he also expressed a personal concern for Root, recalling the heavy burden the role placed on England's leading run‑scorer during his previous tenure. "I love Rooty and I wish him nothing but success," Stokes said. "He'll achieve great things with Fleming on board – Fleming is a fantastic person and I've worked with him before. My only worry is for Joe because I saw how much pressure he endured last time.
He always put the team first and sacrificed his own comfort. I just don't want him to go through that again." Stokes also raised questions about the decision not to hand the Test captaincy to Harry Brook, the current white‑ball captain and Test vice‑captain.
England's managing director for men's cricket, Rob Key, has hinted that the timing isn’t right for Brook but that his "time will come". Stokes challenged that rationale, arguing that if a player is deemed capable of leading, the opportunity should be given.
"Brooky is already vice‑captain. When I missed that Test against New Zealand, I thought, 'Why isn’t Brook the captain?
He's the vice‑captain.' I understood the reasons they gave, but the message it sends is confusing – the captain is absent, yet the vice‑captain isn’t promoted. When I took over I had no leadership experience; I was just assumed to be a good captain." Regarding any potential playing comeback for the 2027 home Ashes series, Stokes seemed resolute in his decision. When Key suggested it wouldn’t be surprising if Stokes returned, the all‑rounder replied that he never entertained the idea of simply extending his playing career. "I’m 35.
If I’m not the captain, I think it would be difficult for me to continue playing. It’s not about being led by someone else; it’s about the fact that I’ve devoted so much of my career to leading.
If I were to play again, it would have to be as captain. I’m comfortable with retiring and not thinking about playing for England again," he explained. When pressed to confirm whether his retirement was definitive, Stokes answered without hesitation: "Defo." Stokes' comments highlight a broader conversation about succession planning within England cricket, the balance between experience and fresh leadership, and the pathways former players can take after hanging up their boots.
His ambition to move into coaching reflects a growing trend among recent retirees who wish to shape the next generation, while his criticism of the handling of Brook's captaincy underscores the need for transparent communication from the England and Wales Cricket Board. Fans can continue to follow the evolving story of England cricket through Sky Sports' coverage, including upcoming series such as the three‑Test clash against Pakistan starting on August 19, which will be streamed live on Sky Sports Cricket and the NOW platform without a contract.