Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has dismissed speculation over a possible return to international cricket, insisting that his playing career is firmly behind him despite recent suggestions that he could make a comeback.
Stokes, who retired from international cricket after England’s 2-1 home Test series defeat to New Zealand in June, said he has already begun preparing for life after retirement by pursuing his Level Three coaching qualification. The 35-year-old revealed that coaching England one day is now his biggest ambition, while also expressing surprise over the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB)‘s decision to overlook Harry Brook for the Test captaincy.
Ben Stokes opens up on his future role in England
Although England managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key recently admitted he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Stokes returned to Test cricket in the future, the former all-rounder made it clear that there will be no reversal of his retirement decision. Speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, Stokes explained that he is already laying the groundwork for a coaching career.
“I’m doing my Level Three coaching now while I’m still playing because when the day comes that I’m not playing anymore, I’d love to have all that stuff signed off and done,” Stokes said.
The former captain added that staying involved with English cricket in a leadership role is something he genuinely looks forward to.
“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 coach England one day? Absolutely. I just really like the idea of being in some form of leadership away from playing,” he added.
Stokes admitted that captaining England for four years had taken a heavy toll on him, both mentally and physically. After leading the side through highs and lows, including the recent Test series defeat to New Zealand, he felt retirement was the right decision for both himself and the team.
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Stokes ends comeback speculation
Following his retirement, Rob Key‘s comments sparked rumours that Stokes could eventually return to England’s Test setup. However, the former skipper firmly shut down those suggestions. His international career ended shortly after England lost the home Test series to New Zealand, bringing the curtain down on an eventful leadership spell.
The final weeks of his captaincy were also overshadowed by controversy after Stokes and teammate Gus Atkinson were dropped for the second Test for breaching the team curfew following a nightclub incident after the opening match. Despite those difficult moments, Stokes remains convinced that retirement is permanent and that his future belongs on the coaching side of the game rather than back on the field.
