Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has made a candid admission about the departure of Brendon McCullum as England’s Test head coach, joking that his own retirement played a major role in Baz losing the job. Stokes said that had he continued as captain, McCullum would likely have remained in charge of the Test side.

Stokes shocked the cricketing world when he announced his retirement during the third Test against New Zealand last month. While the decision surprised fans, reports had already suggested growing differences within England’s Test setup, including speculation over a disconnect between Stokes and McCullum.

McCullum’s removal as England’s Test coach came as an even bigger surprise, particularly with the Ashes 2027 cycle approaching. Although his tenure produced respectable results, England fell short in several marquee series, leading to the England and Wales Cricket Board’s decision to appoint Stephen Fleming as the new Test head coach.

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Speaking on the For The Love of Cricket podcast, Ben Stokes humorously accepted responsibility for McCullum’s exit. “I was surprised,” Stokes admitted. “If I hadn’t made the decision that I made four weeks ago, Baz would still be coach. So it’s my fault!”

The 35-year-old also recalled the moment he informed McCullum about his retirement and revealed that it was during the same conversation he learned the New Zealander had also been informed about the end of his Test coaching stint.

“When I told Baz, he was making toast and I just went, ‘Oh, I’m done,'” Ben Stokes said. “I’d obviously had discussions with him anyway and then told him over toast. Then he was like, ‘Yeah, I’ve been given the tap on the shoulder,’ and I was like, ‘Oh.'”

Despite losing the Test role, Stokes said McCullum remains enthusiastic about continuing as England’s white-ball coach. “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,” he added.

Stokes also explained that retirement always meant walking away from international cricket completely rather than continuing as a player under a different captain.

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“I never once thought, ‘I’m just going to give it up and just keep going as a player,'” he said. “If I’m going to play for England, it’s going to be as captain.”

The veteran all-rounder also dismissed speculation about a potential comeback, insisting he is “definitely retired” and has no plans to reverse his decision ahead of the 2027 Ashes.