On his final day of international duty, Ben Stokes remained in England’s training attire, choosing not to don his match kit. After his wicket ended the third Test against New Zealand on Sunday, he watched from the dressing‑room as the visitors claimed the six wickets required to secure a 160‑run triumph.
Following the conclusion of his media obligations—an interview on Test Match Special, the post‑match ceremony, and a half‑hour press conference—Stokes received a £700 single‑malt bottle from Joe Root in the England dressing‑room, the contents of a team‑signed package, before he and his supporters celebrated on the field.
Unlike former England captains Nasser Hussain and Andrew Strauss, Stokes has expressed a desire to continue playing after his international career concludes. However, his future plans remain unclear, and despite his assurances on Monday, speculation about a potential reunion for next summer’s Ashes is likely to persist.
In the near term, Stokes intends to head on safari with his family—as a belated birthday gift for his son Layton. “After this Test match, I’ll be waking up in a lodge with white rhinos in the distance,” he explained. “I’m really looking forward to that break, a chance to rest and recover.”
Durham return
Subsequently, Stokes plans to represent Durham later this season. He spoke enthusiastically about his two-day stint in their County Championship fixture against Northamptonshire—a period during which he was suspended and under investigation for the second Test at the Oval.
Durham have yet to ascertain his precise timetable, but he is expected to appear toward the conclusion of the Championship as the team pursues promotion to the top division. Stokes had originally arranged to play a few 50‑over matches in July and August to prepare for England’s series in Pakistan; he added that this arrangement may have altered.
Stokes has indicated his excitement at returning to Championship cricket•Owen Humphreys/PA Images/Getty
I texted Durham head coach Ryan Campbell on Sunday night, simply writing, “Up the Ds,” Stokes recounted. “I have a few days with the family, after which I’ll inform him of my plans—and he replied that he might have a rookie contract available if I’m interested.”
It is uncommon for England stars to turn up in the County Championship following an international retirement, though recent examples include Alastair Cook, James Anderson and Chris Woakes. Stokes said that the added responsibilities of representing—and leading—the national side had become mentally exhausting.
I can simply go out to play for Durham, enjoy the game, and if I have a good day—or a bad day—I can return home, have dinner, and then reappear the next day, he added. “I know it sounds frivolous, but it does take its toll.”
The franchise circuit
Stokes hinted at embracing “any other opportunities” and is expected to be in demand, notwithstanding his absence from T20 play since August 2024. He, however, did not sign up for the Hundred auction earlier this year, rendering him ineligible for a replacement contract.
Stokes is also unlikely to feature in next season’s IPL, as a new BCCI rule requires overseas participants who have previously played in the league to register for a mega‑auction, or they will miss the ensuing mini‑auctions. Stokes did not register for the 2025 mega‑auction, making him unavailable until 2028, barring a regulatory shift.
Nonetheless, he is likely to compete overseas this winter; South Africa’s SA20 offers a clear option after a hamstring injury forced him to withdraw from a lucrative contract with MI Cape Town in 2024‑25.
Stokes dabbled with coaching on the recent England Lions tour of the UAE•Getty Images
An Ashes comeback?
Rumours that Stokes might return for the 2027 Ashes surfaced almost immediately after his retirement announcement, and he faced further questioning on Monday.
“I’m finished, mate,” he said to Jonathan Agnew on Test Match Special, later adding, “I’ll probably be watching it in a hospitality box somewhere.”
As long as Stokes remains active by next June, the question of a reversal will linger. He returned from a brief ODI retirement to compete in the 2023 World Cup in India, and Brendon McCullum has already noted that England will face difficulty replacing “a seam‑bowling all‑rounder who can bat in the top seven” following Stokes’ 13‑year Test career.
Stokes rejected an offer to support McCullum and Rob Key in their roles as head coach and managing director, respectively, on Monday, amid scrutiny of both men. The possibility of a return is more plausible after a period away from the limelight, especially if England appoint a new management team.
Coaching potential
What path will Stokes take once he concludes his playing career at all levels? While many former England captains gravitate toward broadcasting, Stokes has expressed a stronger inclination toward coaching.
He has already collaborated with Andrew Flintoff for the Northern Superchargers and England Lions, and may pursue a continued role within the sport in a similar capacity.
Having the last word
Stokes has largely downplayed the influence of the Rex Rooms saga on the timing of his retirement, but he suggested on Monday evening that he was displeased that private discussions, which he believed remained confidential, had been disclosed to the press.
Several thoughts I had expected to share only with a few ended up being revealed to more people than I anticipated.
When informing his teammates, he had indicated that the reasons could wait, and he has alluded to a frank autobiography. Stokes has previously released two memoirs and, in Monday’s press conference, joked with his ghostwriter that he might have a “good third book, potentially…”
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