Ben Stokes to join England Lions coaching staff
England’s Test captain Ben Stokes is set to move closer to a post-playing career in coaching next month by joining the backroom staff for the Lions’ white-ball tour of the UAE, reports BritPanorama.
The all-rounder will work alongside head coach Andrew Flintoff as England’s second-string side faces Pakistan’s equivalent in a series of limited-overs fixtures. Former England spinner Moeen Ali has also been confirmed as part of the coaching setup for a portion of the tour.
This move indicates Stokes’ future trajectory, as the 34-year-old is widely expected to pursue coaching roles following his playing career, rather than transitioning into television or media work. The UAE stint will also facilitate his recovery from a groin problem sustained during the Fifth Test of England’s 4-1 Ashes loss.
Stokes’ current England contract extends through to the conclusion of next summer’s Ashes series, at which point he will be 36 years of age. He has significantly scaled back his cricketing commitments in recent years, stepping away from white-ball squads and rejecting lucrative T20 franchise opportunities.
The dressing-room environment remains where Stokes feels most comfortable, making coaching a natural fit. He already has an established working relationship with Flintoff, having collaborated at Northern Superchargers during last year’s Hundred competition, where Stokes served in a mentoring capacity.
This experience suggests a natural progression towards more formal coaching responsibilities as his playing career winds down. Stokes’ decision to focus exclusively on Test cricket has been deliberate, preserving his fitness for the longest format.
Once he does retire, expectations are that Stokes will stay within the team environment he cherishes, rather than pursuing broadcasting opportunities. Meanwhile, Moeen announced he has reversed his decision to retire from county cricket, signing with Yorkshire to feature in the T20 Blast.
The move will reunite him with close friend Adil Rashid on the county circuit. Addressing Yorkshire’s past troubles following racism allegations made by former player Azeem Rafiq, Moeen expressed confidence in the club’s progress, stating: “They have done a fantastic job integrating with society.”
Flintoff’s coaching setup for the Lions tour features an experienced group including former England women’s wicketkeeper Sarah Taylor, Amar Rashid, ex-South African batsman Neil McKenzie, and Troy Cooley, the ECB’s newly appointed fast bowling lead.
In sport, transitions often signal new chapters, and for Stokes, this next step into coaching may well be his most impactful yet. As he shifts from player to mentor, the journey promises to be as revealing as the battles fought on the field.
