Ben Stokes says he will pursue England head coach role

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has publicly outlined his ambition to become head coach of the national team in the future, while firmly ruling out a playing comeback and expressing concern for his successor, Joe Root. Stokes made the comments in his first extended interview since announcing his shock retirement from international cricket on June 28, 2026, during England's third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.

The 35-year-old all-rounder, who ended a 15-year international career spanning 122 Tests, said he is currently completing his Level 3 coaching qualification while still playing for Durham. He stated that coaching is his chosen path to remain in the sport. "I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach," Stokes said on the 'For The Love of Cricket' podcast. "Would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely. I would love to be able to do that." He added that he enjoys leadership and the ability to positively influence others, qualities he believes would serve him well in a coaching role.

Stokes' retirement followed a 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand and a 4-1 Ashes loss in Australia, marking the end of his...