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Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has made it clear that people should not expect him to return for the 2027 Ashes against Australia at home. Even though many former England cricketers and fans are still hoping to see him wear the white jersey again, Ben Stokes has admitted that his international playing career is over and he has no plans to make a comeback.
The England all-rounder has also revealed why he never wanted to continue playing only as a player. He stressed that leading England became such a big part of his life that he could never imagine playing for the national team without being the captain.
Ben Stokes ends 2027 Ashes comeback speculation with big statement
Stokes said that captaincy gave him a special feeling because it allowed him to guide people and make a positive difference in their career, so playing without that title is not possible for him now. Even Ben Stokes keen on England head coach role after Stephen Fleming's appointment.
Ben Stokes said on the 'For The Love of Cricket Podcast’: “I just really like the idea of being captain. Like how good is it when you wake up in the morning and you feel like you can positively influence someone? It's an amazing feeling that you're able to do that.”
Stokes also said that if he ever gets another leadership role in cricket after retirement, he believes he would do a good job because he understands the responsibility that comes with leading a team. The former England captain has reiterated that he has never been afraid of making big decisions because he always believes they are for the good of the team.
Ben Stokes explains why he never wanted to play without captaincy
Stokes was asked why he did not simply continue playing for England without being captain, just as Alastair Cook and Joe Root continued playing after quitting the captaincy. The star all-rounder admitted that the thought never really crossed his mind.
He explained that after giving so many years of his career to leading England, it became impossible for him to see himself returning only as a player.
Stokes also clarified that his decision had nothing to do with not wanting to play under another captain, but he felt that captaincy had become such an important part of his journey that he wanted his England career to end in that role.
The English star added, “Once I reached this stage of my career, I never thought about giving up the captaincy and continuing only as a player. I am 35 now, and if I am not leading England, I think it would be very difficult for me to keep playing.”
Ben Stokes dismisses 2027 Ashes comeback talk
Stokes also addressed the questions about the 2027 Ashes return. The star all-rounder has found it surprising that people were already talking about a comeback on the very same day he announced his retirement.
He added, “I remember I'd spoken to someone after the game had finished, and it was like, I was on the day, and then he was asking me about the Ashes. I was like, 'Mate, I've just said I'm done, and you're asking me about the Ashes in 2027.' Really? At least we gave it a mark.”
