England managing director of men’s cricket Rob Key says he would “not be surprised” if Ben Stokes returns to the Test team. Key’s comments come after Stokes announced his international retirement last month. Multiple outlets report that Stokes’ retirement announcement precedes changes to England’s Test coaching structure, with Brendon McCullum replaced by former New Zealand captain Stephen Fleming. Key indicates Fleming will take up the role as England Test coach in September and says he expects Joe Root to be a key leader in the red-ball setup. In discussing Stokes, Key says his relationship with the player has not deteriorated and that “anything’s possible” if Stokes decides to come back. Sources agree that Key does not dismiss the prospect of Stokes returning despite his earlier decision to retire from international cricket. The reporting frames Key’s remarks as an opening for potential reconsideration ahead of the next Ashes cycle, with England preparing for a new-look Test environment led by Fleming and Root.