Fleming Dampens Stokes Ashes U-Turn Hopes, Eyeing England's #1 Spot
Fleming Dampens Stokes Ashes U-Turn Hopes, Eyeing England's #1 Spot
New England coach Stephen Fleming puts an end to Ben Stokes' Ashes return whispers, respecting his retirement. Discover Fleming's plans & excitement for the ultimate rivalry!
New England red-ball coach, Stephen Fleming, has moved to quash widespread speculation regarding Ben Stokes' potential return to international cricket for next year's Ashes series. Fleming, who recently took the helm, stated it would be "wrong" to attempt to change Stokes' mind, indicating a firm stance against a dramatic U-turn.
Stokes, a pivotal figure in English cricket for years, announced his retirement from Test captaincy and international cricket earlier this summer after four demanding years. Despite stepping away from the international stage, he has remained active, notably helping Durham secure the Division Two title with significant contributions.
His commitment extends further, as he's also signed up for a stint with the Adelaide Strikers in Australia's Big Bash League. The idea of him making a grand return for one last crack at Australia in the Ashes has persistently lingered, even being acknowledged by England's director of cricket, Rob Key, as a "great story." However, Fleming, who has a strong working relationship with Stokes from their time together at Chennai Super Kings, met with the 35-year-old during his initial days in England.
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 revealed. He further elaborated on Stokes' comfortable state, noting, "He'd just bowled another 20 overs for Durham with success.
He seems really happy and comfortable with what he's doing." Fleming emphasized his profound respect for players' retirement decisions. "My view is when a player decides to retire it's a big decision and I have the utmost respect for that decision so that's where it sits," he explained. He later reinforced this sentiment to BBC Sport's Test Match Special, stating, "I respect his decision too much.
To try to turn that around and question that is wrong. I know how much goes into that type of decision, and I respect that." While the prospect of Stokes' Ashes return appears to be receding, Fleming harbors no reservations about the English public's intense focus on the historic rivalry with Australia. In fact, he shares their passion wholeheartedly.
I have an obsession with it as well. New Zealand has obsession with it, we love it,
he enthusiastically shared. "We have a deep desire to beat Australia in everything, as the little cousin.
We are linked, and I'm incredibly excited about being part of it." His ambition clearly points towards driving England back to the number one spot, adding his unique "cricket sense in the key moments" to the team's "Bazball" template.
