Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed that he hopes to return to the national setup as head coach in the future, saying he is already preparing for life after retirement by completing his Level 3 coaching qualification. The New Zealand-born all-rounder, who retired from international cricket on June 28, 2026, believes coaching is the perfect way to remain connected to the game that has shaped his career.
Stokes brought the curtain down on an illustrious international journey after representing England in 122 Tests, 114 ODIs, and 43 T20Is. While his playing career has ended, the 35-year-old has made it clear that his ambition to contribute to English cricket remains as strong as ever.
Speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, Ben Stokes admitted that leading England from the dressing room as a coach is one of his biggest long-term goals. “I’m doing my Level 3 coaching now while I’m still playing because I want, when the day comes that I’m not playing anymore, I’d love to have all that stuff signed off and done.”
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Stokes explained that he has always envisioned himself remaining in cricket after retirement and sees coaching as the ideal next chapter. “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, in some form of leadership away from playing.”
Following Stokes’ retirement, Joe Root was appointed England’s new Test captain, while Stephen Fleming took charge as head coach. Stokes backed Root to succeed in the role but admitted he is concerned about the emotional and mental demands that come with captaincy.
“I wish him nothing but success. I hope he goes on and achieves amazing things as captain, and I think he’s going to really enjoy it with Flem. He’s a great man.”
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Having experienced the pressures of leading England himself, Ben Stokes said his biggest concern is ensuring Root does not sacrifice too much of himself for the team. “I told Joe my only worry is just you. I’ve seen what he went through and how much he put himself through. He always put the team first and himself second. I don’t want to see that happen again because I care about Joe a lot.”
Ben Stokes concluded by expressing confidence in England’s new leadership group, saying he expects Root and Fleming to guide the team successfully while beginning a new era in English Test cricket.
