Stokes would love to coach England in future

Ben Stokes has definitively ruled out reversing his England Test retirement for the 2027 Ashes, stating "Definitely" when asked by former teammate Jos Buttler if he was still retired.

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Definitely

The series defeat to New Zealand, which followed a heavy Ashes loss in Australia, has led to significant changes in the England Test setup. Joe Root has been appointed the permanent Test captain, a role he previously held between 2017 and 2022. This decision comes after Brook, who was previously vice-captain and leads the white-ball sides, was involved in an off-field incident.

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I think just if you think someone's going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give them it.

Stokes, who backed Brook to succeed him, expressed his confusion and concern over the captaincy decision. "I think just if you think someone's going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give them it," Stokes said, questioning the message sent to Brook. "He's vice-captain. And then the captain is not playing, but he's not captain. What?"

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

Reflecting on Root's previous tenure, Stokes voiced his primary worry: Root's personal well-being. "My only worry is just you. And that's all I really care about now, just because I have seen what he went through and how much he put himself through for someone." Stokes emphasized Root's selflessness, noting he always put the team first. "I don't want to see that ever happen again because I care for Joe a lot," he added, while still wishing Root immense success in his new role alongside new coach Stephen Fleming.

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I wish him [Root] nothing but success. I hope he goes on and achieves amazing things in his role as captain and I think he's going to really enjoy it with Flem [Fleming]. He's a great man.