Rob Key, managing director of men’s cricket at the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB), expressed confidence in the appointment of Stephen Fleming as England’s new Test head coach and hinted at the possibility of Ben Stokes returning from international retirement to aid in the team’s revival.

Key’s remarks came amid a period of significant upheaval for England’s Test side, following Stokes’ unexpected withdrawal from international cricket and the dismissal of Brendon McCullum as the red-ball coach. Key, whose own position has faced scrutiny, remains committed to stabilizing and rebuilding the team with Fleming and returning captain Joe Root as central figures in this effort.

Speaking at Lord’s on Friday to present his vision for England cricket, Key emphasized that Fleming — the former New Zealand captain recently concluding a coaching stint with Chennai Super Kings — is well-positioned to lead the side forward despite missing the upcoming series against Pakistan. Fleming will take a break before joining the team in September, leaving little time to oversee preparation ahead of the Ashes series.

Key acknowledged concerns about Fleming’s absence during the Pakistan tour but noted that selection criteria prioritized securing the best candidate, irrespective of immediate availability. “Had it been a stipulation for any of the candidates that you had to be there for Pakistan, that would have limited the field drastically,” Key said.

Regarding Stokes, Key did not dismiss the prospect of the Durham all-rounder returning to the international fold. While Stokes has not directly indicated a comeback, Key described the possibility as “a great story” and added, “Nothing has been ruled out... I wouldn’t be surprised. Anything’s possible with Ben.”

Key also dismissed suggestions of any lingering tensions between Stokes and the ECB, saying, “No bridges have been burned… not at all. Not as far as I’m concerned.”

Despite a challenging summer for England cricket, Key maintained an optimistic outlook, highlighting the potential of the current leadership duo. “In Stephen and Joe, we’ve got the two best people to take what is a side with a huge amount of potential,” he said. “I’m as optimistic as ever that we’ve got the best people to take English cricket forward.”