LORD’S — The fact Rob Key did not shut down the prospect of Ben Stokes returning to England’s team for next summer’s Ashes has left open the possibility of perhaps one of the greatest comeback stories the game has ever seen. But could it really happen?
Interestingly, the answer is definitely not a flat no, certainly not after England’s director of cricket, speaking to the media at Lord’s on Friday, had his say on the subject.
In the immediate aftermath of his shock international retirement at Trent Bridge at the end of June, Stokes was adamant he was “done” when asked if he might return to face Australia next year.
“I’ve had a few questions asking whether I’ll be able to sit on my sofa watching,” he said. “I know it’s the Ashes but I’ll probably be watching it in a hospitality box somewhere.”
Yet things have changed enough in the intervening month, with Brendon McCullum sacked as Test coach and replaced by his fellow New Zealander Stephen Fleming. Joe Root has also been announced as Stokes’ successor as captain.
