Ben Stokes has confirmed his retirement from international cricket while expressing ambitions to pursue a coaching career, with a particular interest in becoming England’s head coach in the future. The 35-year-old all-rounder announced his decision during the third Test against New Zealand in June, ending a period marked by captaincy challenges and off-field controversies.

Speaking on the For the Love of Cricket podcast, Stokes ruled out any possibility of returning to play for England, including the upcoming Ashes series, stating emphatically that he has “definitely” retired from international cricket. Despite this, he has been preparing for a transition into coaching, currently undertaking his level three coaching certification and gaining experience by working with younger players at Durham and the England Lions. Stokes said he is motivated by the prospect of taking on a leadership role in the game beyond his playing career.

Stokes also weighed in on the recent appointment of Joe Root as England’s full-time Test captain for a second stint, after Root previously led the team from 2017 to early 2022. Root, England’s all-time leading run-scorer, faced a difficult first tenure, managing only one win in his final 17 matches amid the complexities brought by Covid-19 restrictions. He stepped down citing a “very unhealthy relationship” with the role but has since expressed enthusiasm about working with new head coach Stephen Fleming.

While Stokes wished Root well, he voiced concern for his friend’s well-being and the toll the captaincy role can take. “My only worry is just you,” Stokes said, referring to Root, acknowledging the personal sacrifices Root made to put the team first and expressing hope that Root’s second spell as captain will be a more positive experience under Fleming’s leadership.

Stokes was critical of the decision not to appoint Harry Brook as the Test captain, despite Brook serving as Stokes’ vice-captain in recent months. England’s managing director of men’s cricket, Rob Key, opted to reinstate Root, describing Brook as “too soon” for the full-time leadership role. Stokes found that decision puzzling, particularly when Brook was not even named captain during the second Test against New Zealand, when Stokes was stood down for disciplinary reasons. “He’s vice-captain, and the captain is not playing, but he’s not captain,” Stokes remarked, questioning the message this sends to Brook and the wider team.

Brook, who also captains England’s white-ball sides, has faced scrutiny after an incident in Wellington last winter, where he was involved in a night out hours before leading an ODI, a factor believed to have influenced the selectors’ cautious approach to his promotion. Nonetheless, Stokes has continued to support Brook’s leadership potential.

Since retiring from international play, Stokes has remained active in domestic cricket with Durham, participating in the One-Day Cup and expected to continue in the County Championship. He has also been linked with possible franchise opportunities in upcoming seasons.

Stokes hinted that he may elaborate on his international retirement and the circumstances surrounding it when the time is right but declined to go into detail currently, emphasizing that he does not wish to appear bitter about a “sticky situation” involving multiple parties.

England’s upcoming fixtures include Test matches against Pakistan, with the team poised to build under the renewed leadership of Root and Fleming. Stokes expressed optimism about the future, highlighting his respect for both and eagerness to see how the team progresses.