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.
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 represents a significant indication of Stokes' future direction, with the 34-year-old widely anticipated to pursue coaching roles once his playing days conclude rather than transitioning into television and media work.
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The UAE stint serves a dual purpose for Stokes, providing an opportunity to continue his recovery from the groin problem he sustained during the Fifth Test of England's 4-1 Ashes loss.
His current England contract extends through to the conclusion of next summer's Ashes series, at which point he will have reached 36 years of age.
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
|PA
Beyond Test matches, Stokes has significantly scaled back his cricketing commitments in recent years.
He stepped away from England's white-ball squads and has declined the substantial financial rewards available through T20 franchise competitions around the world.
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Ben Stokes and Andrew Flintoff already have an established working relationship
|PA
The dressing-room environment remains where Stokes feels most comfortable, making coaching a natural fit for his eventual transition from playing.
Stokes and Flintoff have already established a working relationship, having collaborated at Northern Superchargers during last year's Hundred competition, where Stokes served in a mentoring capacity.
This previous experience suggests a natural progression towards more formal coaching responsibilities as his playing career winds down.
The England captain's decision to focus almost exclusively on Test cricket has been deliberate, with limited-overs international duty and lucrative franchise opportunities both rejected in favour of preserving his body for the longest format.
Ben Stokes will be 36 when the next Ashes series takes place
| GETTYOnce Stokes does hang up his boots, the expectation is that he will remain within the team environment he cherishes rather than pursuing opportunities in broadcasting or punditry.
Moeen, who is 38, announced alongside his coaching commitment that 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, who is Adil's brother, ex-South African batsman Neil McKenzie, and Troy Cooley, the ECB's newly appointed fast bowling lead.