Ben Stokes targets England head coach role and questions captaincy choice

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed his desire to coach the national team in the future while expressing concern over Joe Root’s appointment as his successor.

The 35-year-old announced his shock retirement from international cricket in June during a home series defeat to New Zealand.

Speaking on a podcast, the former all-rounder confirmed he is currently undertaking his level three coaching badges to prepare for life after playing.

“I know what I want to do in terms of staying within the game, which is to be a coach,” he stated.

“And would I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely.”

Surprise over Test captaincy succession

Following his sudden departure, the national side appointed seasoned batter Root as the permanent Test skipper.

The move bypasses Harry Brook, who had been promoted to vice-captain for the previous winter’s Ashes tour in Australia.

Stokes admitted he was surprised by the decision to overlook the young Yorkshireman for the permanent leadership role.

“I understood the reasoning but I was still like, well, what message is that sending to him?” added the former skipper.

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

Definitive retirement and recent struggles

England have endured a difficult period in the longest format, remaining without a Test series victory since late 2024.

Their recent 2-1 defeat by the touring Kiwis followed a heavy 4-1 Ashes loss on Australian soil.

Despite these struggles, the iconic match-winner emphatically rejected suggestions from former team-mate Jos Buttler that he could reverse his decision ahead of the 2027 Ashes.

Root, who previously led the team to a record 27 Test wins between 2017 and 2022, will now work alongside newly appointed head coach Stephen Fleming.

The veteran batter steps back into a highly demanding position that previously prompted him to relinquish the role following a heavy defeat in April 2022.