Ben Stokes expresses desire to coach England team after retirement

Former England captain Ben Stokes has said he would like to coach the England team after retiring from the game. The former all-rounder said he is already working towards his coaching qualifications and wants to stay involved in cricket once his playing days are over. Stokes retired from international cricket in June during England's Test series against New Zealand. The 35-year-old had an outstanding career, playing a key role in England's 2019 ODI World Cup triumph and producing his unforgettable match-winning innings in the Ashes Test at Headingley later that year. After Stokes retired, Joe Root returned as England's Test captain, while former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming was appointed as the team's head coach.

'I want to be a coach'

Stokes said he has already started preparing for life after cricket by taking up a coaching course. "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 any more, I'd love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done." He said coaching is the path he wants to follow after retirement. "I want to be a coach. 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." The former England skipper believes his experience of leading the national side has prepared him for a coaching role. "I would do a pretty good job at it because now I have an understanding of responsibility on the shoulders. I don't actually mind making big decisions."

Stokes captained England's Test team from 2022 before stepping away from the position.

Stokes questions decision over Harry Brook

Stokes also praised England's white-ball captain Harry Brook, calling him a highly talented cricketer. He said he was surprised that Brook was not asked to lead the Test side when Stokes missed a match against New Zealand. "If you think someone is going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give them (the opportunity)." He recalled his reaction at the time. "Brook was made vice-captain. Even when I missed that Test match (against New Zealand), I was like, 'Why is Brook vice-captain?'" While Stokes understood the thinking behind the decision, he felt it sent the wrong signal. "I understood the reasoning behind it, but I was still thinking, what message does that send to him? He's vice-captain, and the captain isn't playing, but he's still not captain. What does that say?"