Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has said he would love to coach the national team in the future, having begun studying for his level three coaching qualification while still playing. Speaking on a podcast, the 35-year-old, who retired suddenly from international cricket in June, also voiced surprise that Harry Brook was overlooked for the Test captaincy and expressed concern about the toll the role could take on Joe Root, who has now been appointed instead.

Stokes captained England in Tests from 2022 until his retirement, which came amid a 2-1 series defeat by New Zealand that followed a 4-1 Ashes loss in Australia, meaning England have not won a Test series since late 2024. He confirmed he will not reverse his decision for the 2027 Ashes. Root, who previously led England to a record 27 Test wins in 65 matches between 2017 and 2022 before stepping down citing the job's toll on his health, will now work alongside new coach Stephen Fleming, with Stokes wishing him success but admitting his "only worry" is Root's wellbeing in the role.