Stokes return would not surprise England chief Key
England men’s cricket director Rob Key says he would not be surprised if former captain Ben Stokes eventually reversed his international retirement, though he has received no indication that a return is planned. Stokes’s potential availability would matter particularly ahead of next summer’s home Ashes, as England seek to rebuild following changes in both the captaincy and coaching staff.
Stokes, 35, retired during England’s June Test series defeat by New Zealand, after a nightclub-curfew controversy which he said influenced his decision despite being cleared. Stephen Fleming has replaced Brendon McCullum as Test coach and Joe Root has returned as captain; Key believes Fleming can help England build sustained success, while Michael Vaughan said the new leadership could make a future Stokes return more conceivable. Root has 14,114 Test runs, England’s record, and is second on the all-time Test run-scoring list behind Sachin Tendulkar.
- Key says a Ben Stokes return remains possible.
- England have appointed Fleming coach and Root captain.
- Stokes retired after June’s New Zealand series.
New here? Start with this
Ben Stokes is an England cricketer who has played a leading role as an all-rounder and captained the Test team. He retired from international cricket during England’s Test series against New Zealand, saying a nightclub curfew controversy had influenced his decision; he was cleared over the incident.
England have since changed their Test leadership: Joe Root is captain again, and Stephen Fleming has replaced Brendon McCullum as coach. Rob Key, who oversees England’s men’s cricket, says he has no indication Stokes plans to return. His availability could matter as England prepare for next summer’s Ashes series against Australia.