Joe Root Denies Ruling Out Ben Stokes' Ashes Return

Joe Root Gives Telling Response On Ben Stokes' Future [Source: AFP]

Ahead of the Pakistan series, England’s Test captain Joe Root dropped a big hint on the possible return of ex-skipper Ben Stokes for the Ashes series against Australia that is scheduled for June 2027.

Stokes retired abruptly from international cricket after England's third Test against New Zealand in June 2026.

His decision came after a turbulent period that also included an off-field disciplinary incident involving Stokes and Gus Atkinson after the duo had a brawl in a nightclub with a rugby player.

Joe Root hints at Ben Stokes’ return in Test cricket

Since Ben Stokes’ retirement, Joe Root, as the most senior figure in England’s Test team, was appointed as captain. He will lead the side in the upcoming 3-game Test series against Pakistan.

Having said that, during a recent interview with Sky Sports, Root was asked if he had a chat with Stokes regarding a potential comeback for the Ashes 2027 series. 

“I don’t know. Let’s get there first,” Root replied, thus not ruling out the possibility of Stokes coming out of retirement.

The Ashes 2027 will be a crucial Test for England after they took a beating in the 2025-26 series, losing 1-4 on Australian soil. With the 2027 series scheduled at home, it will be a perfect opportunity for redemption for England and having Ben Stokes around would only increase their chances.

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Ben Stokes not keen on playing the Ashes

Interestingly, Ben Stokes earlier reacted to the possibility of coming out of retirement to play the Ashes 2027. Talking to Stuart Broad on his podcast, Stokes said that he never viewed his retirement as a temporary decision.

He is apparently comfortable with retiring from international cricket and ruled out the possibility of returning for next summer's Ashes series.

"I never once thought, 'I'm just going to give it up and just keep going as a player'. I'm 35. If I'm not going to be captain, I think I'd find it tough to do it. Not saying because I'd find it tough to be led by someone else,” Stokes said.

Despite England managing director Rob Key previously suggesting that the door could remain open for Stokes to reverse his decision, the former captain has made his own position much clearer.  

“I just think because I've given so much of this part of my career to my job, if I'm going to be playing for England it's going to be as captain. I was very comfortable retiring from playing and not thinking about playing for England," he added.

Stokes will likely compete in MLC

That being said, according to reports, Ben Stokes is exploring possibilities to feature in the MLC 2027 season, which is yet another major clue about his international future. 

With the tournament expected to overlap with the Ashes, the England all-rounder’s plans suggest that a return to the national side for the five-Test series against Australia may be increasingly unlikely. 

For now, it appears that Ben Stokes is in no mood to don the England Test hat again. Currently, he is completing his coaching course and wishes to serve England as a coach in the future.

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