Key keeps door open for Stokes’ potential Test return next summer
2 sources • 1 min read • Latest: Jul 31, 2026, 12:52 PM
Last updated Jul 31, 2026
Rob Key, England's managing director of men's cricket, suggested that Ben Stokes could return to the Test side next summer for the Ashes, following Stokes' retirement from international cricket in June. Key emphasized that his relationship with Stokes remains strong and expressed confidence in the player's potential comeback. The former captain retired unexpectedly, making this speculation significant as England prepares for a new Test coaching era with Mike Fleming starting in September.
- •Ben Stokes retired from international cricket in June.
- •Rob Key opened the door for Stokes to return for next summer's Ashes.
- •Mike Fleming will start as England's Test coach in September.
- •Key affirmed his relationship with Stokes is strong.
- 12:52 PMYahoo Sports — Rob Key refuses to rule out Ben Stokes return after Stephen Fleming appointment
- 12:25 PMThe Guardian Sport — Key will not rule out Test return for Stokes: ‘Anything’s possible with Ben’
"England captain retired from international game in June Key says Fleming will start as Test coach in September Rob Key has opened the door for Ben Stokes to return to England’s Test team a month after the former captain’s shock international retirement, saying he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the 35-year-old decides to come back into a new-look red-ball set-up for next summer’s Ashes. England’s managing director of men’s cricket insisted his relationship with Stokes has not frayed beyond repair should the player decide to return to the international fold. “Not at all, not as far as I’m concerned,” Key said. Continue reading...
"Stokes announced his international retirement last month, prior to Brendon McCullum being replaced by Stephen Fleming as England Test coach
Sources
External links- Yahoo SportsJul 31, 2026, 12:52 PMRob Key refuses to rule out Ben Stokes return after Stephen Fleming appointment
Stokes announced his international retirement last month, prior to Brendon McCullum being replaced by Stephen Fleming as England Test coach
- The Guardian SportJul 31, 2026, 12:25 PMKey will not rule out Test return for Stokes: ‘Anything’s possible with Ben’
England captain retired from international game in June Key says Fleming will start as Test coach in September Rob Key has opened the door for Ben Stokes to return to England’s Test team a month after the former captain’s shock international retirement, saying he “wouldn’t be surprised” if the 35-year-old decides to come back into a new-look red-ball set-up for next summer’s Ashes. England’s managing director of men’s cricket insisted his relationship with Stokes has not frayed beyond repair should the player decide to return to the international fold. “Not at all, not as far as I’m concerned,” Key said. Continue reading...
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