Ben Stokes returning to international cricket to play in next year's Ashes series is not out of the question, believes England's managing director of cricket Rob Key.

Stokes shocked the cricket world in June by announcing his retirement from international cricket midway through England's third Test against New Zealand. 

On Thursday, the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) confirmed Joe Root would return as captain of the red-ball side following Stokes' retirement, while Stephen Fleming has succeeded Brendon McCullum, who remains in charge of the white-ball teams, as the Test head coach. 

Stokes has insisted that he is "done" and will not return to the England setup, but Key will not rule anything out ahead of next year's home series against Australia.

Asked by Sky Sports whether Stokes had hinted at a return, Key said: "No, he hasn't, but I wouldn't be surprised. 

"Anything's possible with Ben. It would be a brilliant story if he did."

Prior to his retirement, Stokes was investigated by the ECB over his role in an incident that took place in a nightclub, with both him and team-mate Gus Atkinson being cleared of any wrongdoing.

But when asked if his personal relationship with Stokes was beyond repair, Key replied: "Not at all. Not as far as I'm concerned."

Key was also asked about his expectations for the Root-Fleming era, with the former New Zealand captain – who has won five Indian Premier League titles since moving into coaching – set to take charge ahead of a tour of South Africa in December and January.

Our Men's Test coach at his very best  

 @TrentBridge, 2004  pic.twitter.com/DmlXuvEKFq

— England Cricket (@englandcricket) July 30, 2026

"I'm optimistic about what we can do," Key said. "The players that are going to take us forward into this next generation are the ones I believe that can go on to become world-class cricketers. 

"There's a couple in there at the moment. There's so many that could go on to become part of a world-class team.

"The key now is to not only have success but sustain it and keep repeating it. That's the system we're trying to put in place. In Stephen Fleming and Brendon McCullum, I think we've got the best two coaches."

Prior to Fleming taking charge, England will host Pakistan in a three-match series in August and September, with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim head coach.