London, July 31, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
England men’s cricket managing director Rob Key has said the possibility remains open for Ben Stokes to come out of international retirement and feature in the 2027 Ashes series against Australia.
Stokes, 35, stepped down as England’s Test captain and announced his retirement from international cricket in June following the team’s 2-1 series defeat against New Zealand. His decision came shortly after he was dropped for the second Test following a disciplinary issue related to a breach of the team’s midnight curfew after England’s victory in the opening match at Lord’s.
However, Key said there was no lasting rift between Stokes and the England management, suggesting that a return for the all-rounder could still happen ahead of the high-profile Ashes series next summer.
“It would be a brilliant story if he does,” Key told Sky Sports News.
Asked whether Stokes had shown any indication of wanting to return, Key said the former captain had not expressed such a desire but added that “anything’s possible with Ben”.
He also rejected suggestions that relations between Stokes and the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) had deteriorated following the disciplinary matter that preceded his retirement.
On England’s Test captaincy transition, Key said the appointment of Joe Root followed discussions with newly appointed red-ball coach Stephen Fleming and other candidates. He said the process involved allowing the coach to have a say in choosing the captain he wanted to work with.
Key said Root was the best person for the role and expressed excitement at seeing him lead the team without the pressures and distractions he faced during his previous stint as captain.
Addressing the decision not to appoint Harry Brook as Test captain, Key said the selectors did not believe it was the right time for the vice-captain and white-ball skipper to take charge of all formats.
He praised Brook’s leadership in limited-overs cricket, saying the batter had played a key role in taking England’s T20 side to the top of the rankings and guiding a new generation of players alongside coach Brendon McCullum.
Key said England remained optimistic about the team’s future across all three formats.
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