Newly appointed England Test head coach Stephen Fleming has officially dismissed the possibility of coaxing Ben Stokes out of international retirement for the 2027 Ashes series.
Speaking to the media in Manchester, Fleming confirmed that he visited the former England Test captain at Durham and found him completely "at peace" with his choice to step away.
Stokes dramatically ended his 15-year international career and four-year tenure as Test skipper in June 2026 during a series-deciding defeat against New Zealand at Trent Bridge.
He is currently enjoying his cricket playing for Durham County Cricket Club and has signed up with the Adelaide Strikers in Australia's Big Bash League (BBL).
"I went up to Durham and spoke to Ben, which was good. He's really happy and seemed to be really at peace with his decision," Fleming told reporters.
"I've worked with Ben quite a bit. We've got a really good relationship... He seems really happy and comfortable with what he's doing."
Stokes had previously reversed his ODI retirement decision to play in the 2023 World Cup. However, Fleming insisted he would not ask the ace all-rounder to perform a U-turn.
"I respect his decision too much," he said. "To try to turn that around and question that is wrong."
Rather than relying on a fairytale return for Stokes, Fleming has turned his attention to lifting England—currently ranked sixth—to the summit of the ICC World Test Championship.
"I would love to be in charge of the number one Test team in the world," Fleming stated. "There have been some really good moments (for this side) but I think there's more to give."
England's struggles in the ICC World Test Championship are well-documented. Across the three completed cycles since the tournament's inception in 2019, they have never finished higher than fourth place. The Three Lions are unlikely to qualify for next year's showpiece match at the Oval as well.
"England could do much better than that," added Fleming. "If that's one of the pinnacle trophies in world cricket, why would we not be trying to get it along with every other marquee event that comes our way?"
Fleming also addressed the unique dynamic of England's split-coaching ecosystem, where he manages the Test team while his long-time friend and former New Zealand teammate, Brendon McCullum, remains in charge of the white-ball setup.
"It's nice to be in a position to work with him, it's been a while," Fleming remarked. "It is an advantage that we will be able to talk fairly openly and be robust... we don't have to spend time getting to know each other as coaches."
(With AFP Inputs)
