Ben Stokes has spoken publicly for the first time since retiring from international cricket in June, confirming he is actively pursuing a coaching career and would love to one day lead England in that capacity.
The 35-year-old appeared on the For The Love of Cricket podcast, hosted by former teammates Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler. Speaking to Sky Sports, Stokes said he already knows what he wants to do inside the game: be a coach. He added that coaching England one day would be something he would absolutely love, though he acknowledged he has no idea whether it will happen.
He has also firmly ruled out any return to playing. Stokes told Buttler he had definitely retired for good.
Coaching Credentials Already Under Way
The Guardian reported that Stokes is currently completing his level three coaching qualification while still playing club cricket, wanting to have those credentials in place before he eventually steps away from the game entirely. He said having that paperwork done would keep his options open. Whether he goes straight into coaching or takes a few years away first, the door stays open.
That groundwork is already laid.
McCullum Departure Linked to Stokes Retirement
Stokes suggested on the podcast that Brendon McCullum’s exit as England Test head coach was connected to his own retirement announcement. According to Sky Sports, Stokes indicated McCullum would likely still be in charge had Stokes not retired when he did. McCullum was removed as coach in the days following Stokes stepping down, as reported by Yahoo Sports, after England lost eight of their previous 12 Tests, including a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and a 2-1 home series loss to New Zealand.
Stephen Fleming has since been appointed as the new Test head coach. Fleming said he is particularly looking forward to working alongside Joe Root.
Root Back as Captain, Brook Overlooked
Joe Root has returned as Test captain for a second stint, as confirmed by Yahoo Sports, ahead of a three-match home series against Pakistan beginning at Headingley on 19 August. Root previously captained England 65 times, winning 27 of those matches.
Stokes expressed surprise that Harry Brook was passed over. Brook had been serving as vice-captain, yet the job did not go to him. Stokes said he understood the reasoning but questioned what message it sent: the captain was no longer playing, yet the vice-captain was not handed the role. Brook continues to lead England’s white-ball sides.
Stokes Wishes Root Well With a Warning
Stokes said he told Root his only concern was Root himself, given what the batter went through during his previous captaincy spell when England won just one Test in 17. He said Root always puts the team ahead of himself. That, Stokes said, is precisely what worried him. Stokes added that he wishes Root nothing but success alongside Fleming and looks forward to watching where the team goes next.
