ROB KEY SAYS BEN STOKES COULD RETURN FOR ENGLAND ASHES

Rob Key, England's director of men's cricket, stated he would not be surprised if Ben Stokes came out of international retirement, saying "anything is possible". Stokes, 35, announced his retirement from international cricket in June during England's third Test against New Zealand. Key indicated the door remains open for Stokes to return for next summer's home Ashes series against Australia, though he has received no indication that Stokes intends to reverse his retirement decision.

Stokes missed England's second Test of the series while an investigation took place into an incident at a London nightclub following a breach of the team's midnight curfew. He was subsequently found blameless. Stokes stated the controversy had "added" to his decision to end his England career. Brendon McCullum has been replaced as Test coach by Stephen Fleming, with Joe Root now captain.

Former England captain Michael Vaughan suggested Fleming's appointment and Root's return as skipper might encourage Stokes to reconsider his retirement. Vaughan told BBC Sport that Root's challenge would be "getting a structure in his team - getting a formula without an all-rounder like Ben Stokes", and said he wondered whether the coaching change might lead to Stokes returning next year. Fleming previously led Chennai Super Kings to five Indian Premier League titles during his 17-year tenure with the franchise.