'Anything is possible' - Key open to Stokes Ashes return

Ben Stokes: England cricket chief Rob Key says door is open for former captain to return for home 2027 Ashes against Australia Ben Stokes stood down as England captain and retired from international cricket following his side's series defeat to New Zealand in June; England chief Rob Key says he is open to Stokes returning; watch England's series against Pakistan live on Sky Sports from August 19 Friday 31 July 2026 11:19, UK England cricket chief Rob Key has left the door open to Ben Stokes coming out of international retirement to play in next summer's home Ashes series against Australia. Stokes gave up the England Test captaincy and retired from international cricket following his side's 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand in June, which followed a 4-1 Ashes loss to Australia over the winter. The 35-year-old's decision came after he had been made unavailable for selection for the second Test against New Zealand, after breaching a midnight curfew when out celebrating England's win in the series opener. - Root reappointed England Test captain as Fleming named head coach - The Ashes: England vs Australia 2027 dates confirmed - Listen to the Sky Sports Cricket Podcast - Stream England cricket without a contract There was speculation following the saga that Stokes was disappointed in the way he had been treated by England's hierarchy, who on Thursday reinstated Joe Root as captain and appointed Stephen Fleming as Brendon McCullum's replacement as Test head coach ahead of a three-match series against Pakistan starting next month. Asked if the door was still open to Stokes returning to face Australia next summer, England managing director Key told Sky Sports News: "It would be a brilliant story if he does." Quizzed on whether Stokes had intimated a return, Key said: "No, he hasn't but I wouldn't be surprised. Anything's possible with Ben." On whether the bridge had been burnt in terms of his own relationship with Stokes, Key added: "No, not at all. Not as far as I'm concerned." More to follow… England vs Pakistan Test series schedule All times UK and Ireland, all games live on Sky Sports - First Test (Headingley) - Wednesday August 19-Sunday August 23 (11am) - Second Test (Lord's) - Thursday August 27-Monday August 31 (11am) - Third Test (Edgbaston) - Wednesday September 9-Sunday September 13 (11am) Watch the three-Test series between England and Pakistan live on Sky Sports Cricket from August 19. Stream cricket and more sport contract-free with NOW.