Ben Stokes Backs Joe Root but Admits Concern Over England Captaincy Return

Former England Test captain Ben Stokes has voiced his support for Joe Root's return as England's Test skipper while admitting he is concerned about the toll the role could once again take on his close friend.

Speaking on the latest episode of the For The Love Of Cricket podcast alongside Jos Buttler and Stuart Broad, Stokes revealed that his biggest concern is not Root's ability to lead the team, but the personal sacrifices the star batter may make after previously stepping down from the captaincy in 2022.

Root resigned from the role four years ago after describing his first stint as captain as a "very unhealthy relationship," with the pressures of leading England during the Covid-19 era taking a significant emotional toll. Stokes, who succeeded Root and recently retired as Test captain following the New Zealand series, said he had already spoken to Root after his reappointment.

"I love Rooty and wish him nothing but success," Stokes said. "My only worry is Joe himself. He always puts the team first and himself second. Having seen what he went through the last time he was captain, I just don't want to see that happen again because I care about him a lot."

Fleming's Arrival Boosts Confidence

Stokes expressed confidence that newly appointed Test head coach Stephen Fleming will provide valuable support to Root, having previously worked with the former New Zealand captain in the Indian Premier League.

According to Stokes, Fleming's experience and leadership style could help Root enjoy his second spell as captain while easing some of the burdens that accompanied his previous tenure.

Stokes Questions Brook Decision

The former captain also questioned the England and Wales Cricket Board's decision not to promote vice-captain Harry Brook to the top job after Stokes' retirement.

Brook, who was appointed vice-captain ahead of the Ashes, was overlooked despite being the designated deputy. ECB Managing Director Rob Key recently explained that the board felt it was "too soon" to hand Brook full leadership responsibilities following recent off-field issues.

Stokes disagreed with that assessment.

"If someone is good enough to be vice-captain, then trust them with the captaincy when the opportunity comes," he said. "When I missed a Test earlier, I wondered why Brook wasn't leading. If he's vice-captain but doesn't become captain when the captain is unavailable, what message does that send?"

Stokes also pointed out that he had no previous leadership experience when he was appointed England captain in 2022.

Cricket's Relationship with Alcohol

Addressing questions about England's off-field culture, Stokes rejected suggestions that the national team has a drinking problem. Instead, he argued that alcohol has long been embedded in cricket at every level of the game.

"I don't think England has a drinking culture," he said. "I think cricket has a drinking culture. From club cricket right through to the international game, alcohol has always been part of the sport."

Stokes acknowledged that the issue can become problematic and admitted he had experienced periods in his own career where his relationship with alcohol had become "potentially dangerous." However, he said his approach has changed significantly in recent years.

While sports science, nutrition and professionalism have evolved dramatically, Stokes believes cricket's association with alcohol has remained largely unchanged and deserves greater attention.

Coaching Ambitions

Looking ahead, Stokes revealed he hopes to remain involved in cricket after his playing career by pursuing coaching.

The 35-year-old is currently completing his ECB Level Three coaching qualification while continuing to play domestic cricket for Durham. He said coaching England in the future would be an ambition.

"I want to be a coach," Stokes said. "Would I love to coach England one day? Absolutely. Whether it happens or not, I don't know."

No Retirement U-Turn

Stokes also dismissed speculation that he could reverse his retirement from Test cricket, insisting his decision is final.

Although he had initially planned to retire after the 2027 Ashes, recurring injuries and the physical demands of international cricket convinced him to step away earlier.

The all-rounder explained that after dedicating much of his career to leading England, he could not imagine returning to the side solely as a player.

"I was very comfortable with retiring," Stokes said. "If I was going to play for England, it was going to be as captain. I gave everything to that role, and I don't see myself coming back just as a player."

With Root beginning a second chapter as England's Test captain and Stokes turning his attention toward coaching, the team's leadership enters a new era while one of its most influential figures prepares for life beyond international cricket.