Rob Key, England's managing director of men's cricket, said he would not rule out Ben Stokes returning to the Test side for next summer's Ashes.
A return for the 35-year-old [3] would provide the squad with critical veteran experience during a period of leadership transition for the national team.
Stokes announced his international retirement in June 2026 [1]. Despite this decision, Key said the door remains open for the former captain to rejoin the squad. Key said his relationship with the England setup has not frayed beyond repair.
"I wouldn’t be surprised if Ben decides to come back – anything’s possible with Ben," Key said.
The possibility of a comeback arrives as the team prepares for a change in coaching. Stephen Fleming is scheduled to start as the England Test coach in September 2026 [2]. Key said that Stokes' existing ties to the team structure make a potential return more feasible.
Key said the unpredictable nature of the player's career decisions is a factor. "Anything is possible," Key said.
The England management believes the experience Stokes brings to the field could be a decisive factor in the upcoming Ashes series. While Stokes has remained away from the international fold since last month, the leadership believes his influence remains valuable to the collective effort.
“"I wouldn’t be surprised if Ben decides to come back – anything’s possible with Ben."”
The openness to a Stokes return suggests England may be concerned about a leadership or skill vacuum heading into the 2027 Ashes. By signaling that the door is open, the management is leveraging Stokes' influence to ensure stability as Stephen Fleming takes over the coaching role in September.
