'Brilliant story if he does': England leave door open for Stokes' Ashes return

England men's team managing director Rob Key has not ruled out Ben Stokes returning for next year's Ashes, saying 'anything is possible with Ben.'

Ben Stokes retired from international cricket and stepped down as Test captain after England's 2-1 Test series loss to New Zealand in June.

England appointed Joe Root as Test captain and Stephen Fleming as Test head coach on Thursday.

Stokes has been playing for Durham since his retirement, scoring a century in a One-Day Cup match.

Key said Stokes had given no indication of a return but would not be surprised if that changed.