Last Updated on 7 minutes ago by Charbel Coorey
Rob Key, Managing Director of England Men’s Cricket, says a Ben Stokes return in next year’s Ashes would be a “brilliant story.”
Speaking to Sky Sports following the appointment of Stephen Fleming as Test coach, Key refused to rule out a Stokes comeback. This comes a few weeks after Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket during the third Test of a drama-filled 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand.
Ben Stokes return to Test cricket would be a brilliant story: Rob Key
“It would be a brilliant story if he does,” Key said. “He hasn’t [indicated a change of heart], but I wouldn’t be surprised. Anything is possible with Ben.
According to Key, new coach Fleming is yet to make contact. However, that looks a formality at this stage.
“We haven’t got round to that at the moment, but it would be a great story,” Key continued.
Earlier this week, Australia coach Andrew McDonald said they are keeping the possibility in mind that Stokes will return for the Ashes. Speaking on SEN radio, McDonald said a Stokes comeback would make for a great buildup to the big series.
“I think the fairytale would be that he comes back out of retirement and takes on one more Ashes and builds a lot of hype on the way in. So, if you’re looking at promoting that series, that’s probably the angle that you would want, that he comes out of retirement,” said McDonald.
“To me, he’s still got a lot of good cricket left in him. So, yeah, it’ll be a fascinating watch. I think whoever the new head coach that comes in potentially has a conversation with him. We don’t know why Ben left. I don’t think there’s been anything on the record around the definitive reason as to why. But he may have just called it a day on Test cricket and that’s it.”
England’s next assignment is against Pakistan starting August 19. Marcus Trescothick will be the interim coach with Joe Root returning as the full-time captain.
