England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) managing director Rob Key has said Ben Stokes’ return to the national team could be a ‘great story’ ahead of Ashes 2027.
Stokes announced his surprise retirement from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand last month, saying he was burned out and “didn’t have any fight left” after four years as England’s Test captain.
Key shed light on the possibility of Stokes’ return while speaking to the media after Stephen Fleming’s appointment as Brendon McCullum’s successor was confirmed.
“No, he hasn’t but I wouldn’t be surprised. Anything’s possible with Ben,” he told reporters.
He described a potential return by Stokes as a great story and said he had not yet discussed the former captain with Fleming.
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“We haven’t got round to that at the moment, but it would be a great story,” Key said.
Key also highlighted Stokes’ relationship with the ECB, saying there had been no falling-out between the two parties.
“No, not at all. Not as far as I’m concerned,” he said.
He revealed that he had considered resigning following England’s Ashes defeat in Australia, admitting he had been under constant pressure.
“I think all of the above. Of course you do (consider your position). This is a job where you’re constantly under pressure all the time. There’s uncertainty in it all the time. That’s part of being in this role. How close I came (to being sacked), I don’t know. How close I came myself (to resigning), what I was thinking, I obviously know,” he concluded.
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