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Ben Stokes for England [Source: X]
Former England captain Ben Stokes has put down his papers and hung up his boots from international cricket in June while playing the third and final Test of the series against New Zealand. His shock retirement at just 35 years of age made the entire world reconsider his decision as the all-rounder stepped down.
His retirement came weeks after he missed England's second Test against the Kiwis following an incident in a London nightclub. Nevertheless, putting those questions behind him, Ben Stokes has seemed to move on to a new innings of his life, effectively looking forward to a coaching stint with the England cricket team.
Ben Stokes Expresses Wish To Become England Coach
Speaking to former England teammates Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler, Stokes shared that he would love to become the coach of the national team in the future.
After a glorious career of leading England for about four years since April 2022, Stokes now looks forward to a leadership role for the Three Lions, further indicating his devotion to the nation and his passion for the game.
"I'm doing my level three coaching now while I'm still playing, because I want, when the day comes that I'm not playing any more, I'd love to be able to have all that stuff signed off and done," said Stokes.
"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 be coach of England one day? Absolutely.
"I just really like the idea of being, again, like, in some form of leadership away from playing," Stokes shared.
However, while Stokes's appeal remains a crucial indicator of his love and affection for the England cricket team, there are certain concerns related to him becoming the coach, especially after Brendon McCullum's Test exit.
Also Read- Ben Stokes Puts Blame On Himself For Brendon McCullum's England Sacking
How Can Ben Stokes Realistically Become England Coach?
Incidentally, Stokes has already started his Level 3 coaching course to begin his journey toward obtaining the highest mainstream coaching qualification in England.
However, in a realistic scenario, the England and Wales Cricket Board would almost certainly want him to coach at different levels first, such as in County cricket as an assistant or head coach, with the England Lions, England Under-19s, and in franchise cricket as well.
For instance, legendary cricketers like Stephen Fleming and Ricky Ponting also built their coaching résumés before taking major international roles. Hence, it is quite expected that Stokes might not get an immediate job offer from the ECB anytime soon.
Criterias For Stokes To Be Eligible As A Coach
While Stokes ticks certain boxes as a coach, such as getting retired from cricket, handling media pressure, selection discussions, and managing and communicating with support staff, there is still a lot left for him to learn.
His main obstacles would be his limited coaching experience, as well as learning the administrative side of coaching while proving that he can coach players rather than simply lead on the field.
Even if not in 2026, by the end of 2031, Ben Stokes could be seen as a solid and serious candidate for England's next head coach.
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