Last Updated on 2 hours ago by Charbel Coorey
It has been a big few months for Ben Stokes. Speaking on For The Love of Cricket podcast, the now-retired all-rounder opened up on recent events, including cricket’s relationship with alcohol, Joe Root being handed the Test captaincy, plus a potential return to international cricket.
Stokes called it a day during the third and final Test of the series against New Zealand. He said that he knew the end was near during and after the first match at Lord’s.
“The whole Lord’s Test to me was something that I guess brought back some negative feelings about where I was in my career,” Stokes said after the Trent Bridge Test.
“I’d worked so hard from getting back home [from the Ashes] to try and make things right – that’s what I thought I was doing. I’d put so much time and effort into it, I maybe potentially had burnt myself out.
Ben Stokes talks about the past few months on For The Love of Cricket Podcast
Speaking on the podcast hosted by former teammates Stuart Broad and Jos Buttler, Ben Stokes touched on a few key subjects.
Stokes questions why Harry Brook wasn’t named captain, concerned for Joe Root
Stokes has previously backed Harry Brook to take over as Test captain. However, England opted for Joe Root, with Managing Director Rob Key saying it was too soon for Brook.
“I think just if you think someone’s going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give them it,” said Stokes.
“Brooky was made vice-captain – I’m not there anymore, but even when I missed that Test match, I was like: ‘He’s vice captain?’ I sort of understood the reasoning why they were saying it, but what message is that sending to him?
“He’s vice-captain, and the captain is not playing, but he’s not captain. And then the same again here.”
Stokes then spoke of his concern for Joe Root. England’s greatest batter is full-time captain again after resigning from the role in 2022 following a wretched run of one win in 17 Tests.
“I love Rooty and I wish him nothing but success,” Stokes said. “I hope he achieves amazing things in his role as captain. He’s going to really enjoy working with Flem. He’s a great man, I’ve worked with him before. I told Joe, I said 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.
“He’s just always put the team first like he always comes second. And that’s just my only concern with it is just obviously knowing what he went through last time he was in charge of the team because I don’t want to see that ever happen again because I care for Joe a lot, but I wish him all the success in the world.”
Ben Stokes on whether England has a drinking culture
Alcohol has been a hot topic of conversation in England cricket. The events down under in New Zealand and Australia during the last winter put the spotlight on England’s culture. This includes Harry Brook being punched by a Wellington bouncer hours before leading England in an ODI against New Zealand, plus the infamous Noosa trip.
However, Stokes said cricket in general has a drinking culture. Sharing a beer or two in the sheds after a match is common right down to club and park cricket.
“No… that is such an extreme thing to put on a team,” Stokes said when asked if the England team has a drinking problem.
“I think cricket has a drinking culture and that has not changed. We are in 2026 now, where the game has gone more professional over the years. But one thing that has just stayed within cricket is its relationship with alcohol, from club cricket it works its way up. It stays there and is embedded within the sport.england
“That is the relationship between alcohol and cricket, it has not moved on as the game has become more professional. There’s more science and medicine, more nutritional information, more this and that. One thing that has been a constant, and has been for a very long time, is the relationship with alcohol.
“For people who think the English cricket team has a drinking culture, I would say no. I would just say cricket has a culture that is associated with alcohol.”
But, Stokes says he would still go on the Noosa trip if he had his time again.
On whether he will return to international cricket… plus his aspirations to coach
Last week, Rob Key said he “wouldn’t be surprised” if Stokes makes a return to Test cricket. However, Stokes says he is “definitely” retired and says it would be tough to play under another captain after the last four years.
The focus now for Stokes is continuing to play well for Durham. The former England all-rounder also has aspirations of coaching the national team.
“Will I love to be coach of England one day? Absolutely,” said Stokes.
