Rob Key Keeps Door Open for Ben Stokes Retirement Comeback

Rob Key has kept the door open for Ben Stokes to make a return before next year's Ashes, insisting that a comeback cannot be ruled out because "anything is possible" with the England all-rounder.

Stokes made a surprise decision to step away from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand last month. The England captain explained that he felt mentally drained and had no more fight left after spending the previous four years leading the team in Test cricket.

Speaking after England confirmed Stephen Fleming as the new Test coach following Brendon McCullum's departure, Key was asked about the chances of Stokes reversing his retirement. He remained uncertain but revealed that he had not received any indication from Stokes, who has resumed playing for Durham, that he was considering a return.

"It would be a brilliant story if he does. He hasn't [indicated a change of heart], but I wouldn't be surprised. Anything is possible with Ben." said England’s director of cricket, Rob Key.

When Stokes announced his retirement, he backed Harry Brook to take over as England's next captain. However, England decided to bring back Joe Root for the role after more than four years since he last served as the permanent Test captain.

Key explained that the captaincy came a little too early for Brook and added that new coach Stephen Fleming was also involved in the decision-making process.

"He's still developing as a player and as a person, to be honest. The Test match captaincy is the biggest job in cricket in England, and I think that it's perfect now with Joe who gets the chance to do it where he can now take this ship forward as the most senior player by a long, long way.” said Rob Key.

"Harry can now continue on the project he's done in the white-ball job and continue learning how to become an outstanding leader of a cricket team. You've got the 2027 World Cup, all of those things, and at some stage Harry Brook will be an outstanding Test captain of England cricket. I just didn't feel the time was right now." added Rob Key.