‘It would be a brilliant story’ – Key open to Stokes making Ashes return

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.

There was speculation in the aftermath of the saga that Stokes had been left disappointed by the way he was treated by England’s hierarchy, who on Thursday reinstated Joe Root as captain and appointed Stephen Fleming as Brendon McCullum’s successor as Test head coach ahead of next month’s three-match series against Pakistan.

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.