Fleming rejects pressure on Stokes to return for Ashes

England red-ball coach Stephen Fleming has rejected the idea of persuading Ben Stokes to reverse his international retirement for the next Ashes series against Australia.

Fleming said he respected the decision Stokes made after four years as England Test captain and considered it wrong to question or challenge it. The pair met at Durham, where Fleming said Stokes appeared happy and at peace with his choice.

Stokes remains active in county cricket and helped Durham win the Division Two title. He has also signed for Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League.

Speculation about a return had continued, with England director of cricket Rob Key previously describing a possible Ashes comeback as “a great story” while not ruling it out.

Fleming, who previously worked with Stokes at Chennai Super Kings, said he would not lean on the all-rounder to change his mind. A return has therefore become less likely, although the supplied material does not definitively rule one out.