“Would I love to be coach of England? Absolutely” – Ben Stokes reveals coaching ambitions

The former England Test captain, who announced his shock retirement from international cricket in June, admitted he is already working towards gaining his coaching qualifications and hopes to remain involved in the game once his playing career comes to an end.

Speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, Stokes said: “I’m doing my level three coaching now while I’m still playing, because I want, when the day comes that I’m not playing any more, I’d love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done.

“I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach. And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely.

“I just really like the idea of being, again, like, in some form of leadership away from playing.”

Stokes stepped down from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand after a difficult period for England, which had included a 4-1 Ashes defeat in Australia and a 2-1 series loss against the Black Caps.

The 35-year-old has ruled out reversing his decision to return for the 2027 Ashes, telling former England team-mate Jos Buttler his retirement was “definitely” final.

Stokes questions Brook decision as Root returns as captain

England’s decision to appoint Joe Root as Test captain following Stokes’ departure has surprised the all-rounder, who had expected Harry Brook to take over the role.

Brook had been promoted to vice-captain ahead of last winter’s Ashes tour and had been viewed as a potential successor, having already taken charge of England’s white-ball teams.

However, Root was handed the captaincy for the second Test against New Zealand, which Stokes missed, before being confirmed as the permanent successor.

Stokes admitted he understood the decision but questioned what message it sent to Brook.

“I think just if you think someone’s going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give them it,” Stokes said.

“I understood the reasoning but I was still like, well, what message is that sending to him?

“He’s vice-captain. And then the captain is not playing, but he’s not captain. What?”

Despite his surprise, Stokes backed Root to succeed in the role once again, with the former captain set to work alongside new Test head coach Stephen Fleming.

Root previously led England between 2017 and 2022, winning a record 27 Test matches as captain, but stepped down after a difficult period which saw England win just one of their previous 17 Tests.

Stokes admitted his only concern was the impact the role could have on Root after seeing the pressure of captaincy affect him during his first spell.

“I wish him [Root] nothing but success. I hope he goes on and achieves amazing things in his role as captain and I think he’s going to really enjoy it with Flem [Fleming]. He’s a great man,” said Stokes.

“I’ve worked with Flem before but I told Joe, I said my only worry is just you. And that’s all I really care about now, just because I have seen what he went through and how much he put himself through for someone.

“He’s just always put the team first – he always comes second. And that’s just my only concern with it, is just obviously knowing what he went through last time he was in charge of the team.

“I don’t want to see that ever happen again because I care for Joe a lot, but I wish him all the success in the world.”

Stokes denies McCullum fallout

Stokes also addressed speculation of a rift with former England Test head coach Brendon McCullum following the end of their successful partnership.

McCullum was replaced as Test coach after a difficult run of results, although he remains in charge of England’s white-ball teams.

Rumours had circulated that the pair had fallen out during the latter stages of their time together, but both have rejected those claims.

Stokes insisted their relationship remained strong despite disagreements over cricketing decisions.

“We never once fell out,” he said.

“Did we have discussions with each other that we had different views on and different opinions on? 100% and we both admit that. I think Baz has even said that himself.

“Did we have a fallout? Absolutely not.”

Stokes played a key role in transforming England’s Test side alongside McCullum after taking over as captain in 2022, with the pair credited with introducing an aggressive approach that became known as “Bazball”.

While his playing days with England have now come to an end, Stokes has made it clear that he hopes his future remains tied to the national team, with coaching a potential next chapter.