Rob Key has left the door open for Ben Stokes to return to England's Test team for the 2027 Ashes following Joe Root's appointment as full-time Test captain.
Speaking 24 hours after announcing Root's appointment, Key said he "wouldn't be surprised" if Stokes returned to the side for the Ashes next summer. Asked whether the door was open for Stokes to return for the series, Key replied: "It would be a brilliant story if he does".
Stokes retired from international cricket last month during England's third Test against New Zealand. He addressed the possibility of a return immediately after the match, saying: "I'll probably be watching it [The Ashes] in a hospitality box somewhere".
Rob Key doesn't rule out Ben Stokes returning for the Ashes 👀 pic.twitter.com/CO90sEIxJK
— Sky Sports Cricket (@SkyCricket) July 31, 2026
Reports of a rift between Stokes and England's management following his suspension from the second Test of the series against New Zealand preceded his retirement. In a press conference before the match at Trent Bridge, Key did not back Stokes to continue after the incident he was involved in at a nightclub in the early hours of the morning after the second Test.
Stokes' relationship with Brendon McCullum also came under the spotlight, with McCullum also declining to give Stokes his full backing at the time. McCullum was sacked as England's Test coach weeks after Stokes' retirement, and Stephen Fleming is set to take up the job for their first series this winter against South Africa. Marcus Trescothick will fill in on an interim basis against Pakistan later this month while Fleming spends time with his family in New Zealand.
Addressing whether bridges had been burnt between himself and Stokes, Key replied: "No, not at all".
Stokes is currently filling his time by playing for Durham in the One Day Cup, having chosen not to enter The Hundred auction earlier this year. He is likely to play franchise cricket this winter, with a stint reportedly in the pipeline in the Big Bash.
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