The door to a sensational England comeback remains ajar for Ben Stokes, with the country's cricket chief refusing to close it just weeks after the all-rounder's abrupt international exit. Rob Key, managing director of men's cricket for the England and Wales Cricket Board, spoke at Lord's on Friday, acknowledging the unpredictability surrounding the 35-year-old Durham star. Main Developments Key's comments arrived just a day after the ECB confirmed Stephen Fleming as the new Test head coach, a role that also coincides with Joe Root's return to the Test captaincy. When asked whether Fleming had raised the possibility of a Stokes return, Key admitted the topic had not yet been discussed, though he called it "a great story." Read also: 3 reasons FIFA's $20B World Cup plan is facing revolt Pressed on whether Stokes himself had signalled any intention to reverse his retirement decision, Key responded: "No, he hasn't but I wouldn't be surprised. Anything's possible with Ben." The cricket chief also dismissed any notion of lingering friction, stating clearly that no bridges had been burned as far as he was concerned. Fleming's arrival in Britain is not expected until September, meaning he will miss the three-match Test series against Pakistan starting in August. Key downplayed concerns about the delayed start, insisting his priority was securing the best candidate rather than someone available for the Pakistan tour, which he noted would have "limited the field drastically." Background Stokes announced his retirement from international cricket during the third Test against New Zealand, a match the visitors won to clinch the series 2-1. The announcement came after Stokes was dropped from the second Test for breaking a team curfew at a London nightclub, the latest in a series of off-field incidents involving England players. Two weeks following Stokes's exit, Brendon McCullum was removed from his role as red-ball coach, effectively ending the "Bazball" era of ultra-attacking Test cricket he had pioneered alongside Stokes. McCullum, another former New Zealand captain, retains his position overseeing England's white-ball teams. Why It Matters A potential Stokes return would reshape England's Test lineup ahead of a home Ashes series against Australia looming in 2027. The timing is critical, as the team undergoes significant leadership changes with Fleming at the helm and Root reinstated as captain, creating both instability and opportunity for a dramatic comeback narrative. What's Next Fleming will not lead the side for the Pakistan series, leaving interim arrangements in place for August. The question of Stokes's future remains open, with Key suggesting anything is possible and no definitive timeline established for when Fleming and Stokes might discuss the matter.