Ben Stokes has made it clear that he would love nothing more than to take on a coaching role with the England cricket team in the future. In a candid interview on the "For The Love of Cricket" podcast, the former captain not only confirmed his absolute desire to move into coaching but also reflected on the circumstances surrounding his own retirement and the current direction of the Test side.
Stokes stepped down as England's Test captain and announced his retirement from all forms of international cricket after the three‑match series against New Zealand ended in a 2‑1 defeat in June. That loss followed a bruising 4‑1 Ashes defeat to Australia earlier in the winter, marking a difficult period for the English side and prompting a wave of changes at the top.
During his first extended interview since hanging up his boots, the 35‑year‑old spoke openly about his long‑term ambitions. "I want to be a coach," he said without hesitation. "I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game – which is to be a coach. Would I love to be coach of England one day?
Absolutely. I would love to be able to do that. Do I think it's going to happen? I don't know.
No idea. Then, further on from that, I don't know. I just really like the idea of being, again, in some form of leadership away from playing." Stokes' tenure as Test captain lasted four years, beginning in 2022. He worked closely with head coach Brendon "Baz" McCullum, and together they sought to reshape England's playing style, injecting a more aggressive, positive mindset into the team.
When Stokes announced his retirement on the fourth day of the third Test at Trent Bridge, McCullum's own departure from the Test coaching role was confirmed just two weeks later. Reflecting on the timing, Stokes admitted he was surprised by the rapid succession of exits. "If I hadn't made the decision that I made four weeks ago, Baz would still be coach," he explained.
He recounted the informal way he broke the news to McCullum: "When I told Baz about my retirement he was making toast and I just went 'oh, I'm done'. I'd obviously had discussions with him anyway and then told him over toast. Then, again, he was like 'yeah, I've been given the tap on the shoulder' and I was like 'oh'. But he's still very excited and very happy to be moving forward with the white‑ball because he's doing a very good job there." The appointment of former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming as England's new Test head coach and the re‑appointment of Joe Root as captain marked a fresh chapter for the side.
Stokes said he had spoken with Root when the news broke and expressed his full support for his former teammate. Yet he also voiced a personal concern, recalling the heavy burden Root carried during his previous stint as captain.
"I love Rooty. I wish him nothing but success," Stokes said. "My only worry is you, Joe. He always put the team first; he always came second.
That's my only concern, knowing what he went through last time. I don't want to see that happen again because I care for Joe a lot." One of the most striking moments of the interview was Stokes' criticism of the decision not to promote Harry Brook to the Test captaincy. Brook, who is the white‑ball captain and the vice‑captain of the Test side, was bypassed in favour of appointing Root.
England men's managing director Rob Key had previously suggested that the timing was not right for Brook, but that his "time will come". Stokes challenged that rationale, arguing that leadership opportunities should be given to those who are deemed ready.
"If you think someone is going to be a good captain or a good leader, just give it to them," he said. "Brooky was made vice‑captain.
I'm not there anymore but even when I missed that Test match against New Zealand I was like 'why is Brooky not captain? He's vice‑captain.'" He went on to explain the mixed message the decision sends: "He's vice‑captain and the captain is not playing but he's not captain. Then the same again here.
I had no leadership or captaincy experience when I took over. It was just thought I was going to be a good captain." Stokes also put an end to speculation about a possible playing comeback for the next home Ashes series. While Key hinted he would not be surprised if Stokes returned, the former all‑rounder was unequivocal.
"I never once thought, 'I'm just going to give it up and just keep going as a player'," he said. "I'm 35. If I'm not going to be captain, I think I'd find it tough to do it.
Not saying because I'd find it tough to be led by someone else. I just think because I've given so much of this part of my career to my job, if I'm going to play for England it's going to be as captain. I was very comfortable retiring from playing and not thinking about playing for England." When asked directly if his retirement was final, Stokes responded with a firm "Defo" – short for "definitely" – confirming that his focus now lies entirely on coaching and supporting the next generation of English cricketers. Beyond his personal plans, Stokes' comments shed light on the broader challenges facing England cricket.
The transition from a player‑led era to a more structured coaching environment, the need to nurture emerging leaders like Brook, and the importance of managing the mental and physical toll on captains are all themes that will shape the team's future. As Stokes moves into the next phase of his cricketing journey, his insights offer a valuable perspective on the balance between ambition, responsibility, and the ever‑evolving landscape of international sport.