ECB Flashes Ben Stokes Retirement Reversal For Ashes

Ben Stokes after taking international retirement (Source: AFP Photos)Last month, Ben Stokes stunned the world by taking an international retirement out of nowhere. The decision came right after Stokes made infamous headlines following nightclub controversy.Stokes, who did more than a decent job as England captain, is known for being one of the best in the business when it comes to performing in the Ashes, the age-old rivalry between Australia and England. However, as things stand, he will not be part of the next year’s Ashes, as he has decided not to wear England’s jersey any longer.ECB Chief Pushes For Ben Stokes Retirement U-TurnSpeaking exclusively to Sky Sports, ECB chief Rob Key shared his thoughts on Ben Stokes regarding the subject of whether he would be available for Ashes 2027. There, Key clearly admitted that he would be more than happy to accept if Stokes actually takes a retirement u-turn."It would be a brilliant story if he does," Rob Key told Sky Sports.Also Read: Australia Preparing For Ben Stokes’ Retirement Reversal In AshesAt the same time, Key mentioned that there is no formal discussion yet related to Ben Stokes retirement. Nevertheless, he highlighted that there is no certainty that Stokes will keep his decision of retiring from international cricket either."No, he hasn't but I wouldn't be surprised. Anything's possible with Ben," Key added.When Ben Stokes Took Retirement U-Turn From ODIsEarlier, Ben Stokes retired from ODIs after England vs South Africa series in 2022. However, he changed his stance a year later to play ODI World Cup 2023 in India.Not to forget, Stokes played an important role to help England win the ODI World Cup for the very first time in 2019. Therefore, there was an additional pressure for Stokes to reverse his retirement u-turn, and he did.Now, Ben Stokes retirement u-turn re-emerges again, it won’t be surprise to see if he does the same once again.Ben Stokes Stats In The AshesAgainst Australia, Stokes has picked up 56 wickets in 39 Test innings, averaging 35.25. With the bat, he averages 32.94 against the arch-rivals, having made 1746 runs in 55 innings.Ashes 2027 will be in England, with the five-match Test series to get underway on June 18. It will happen till August 2.Trent Bridge, Lord’s, Edgbaston, Southampton and The Oval will host all five matches.Before Ben Stokes retirement from international cricket, he played 122 Tests for England, having made his debut in 2023. He averages 34.46 for his 7273 runs, and often picked up 252 wickets.As the Ashes 2027 will be in England, Stokes has 3397 runs in 55 Tests at home. With the ball, he has 130 Tests wickets, making the experts often re-think about whether he was greater than Ian Botham.Now, it’s upto Stokes whether he would reverse the retirement decision to make himself available for Ashes 2027.Also Read: ECB Reveal Why Harry Brook Was Snubbed As England Test Captain