England Test head coach Stephen Fleming has ruled out trying to convince Ben Stokes to return for the upcoming Ashes series. After meeting the former England captain at Durham, Fleming said that he respects Stokes’ decision to step away from Test cricket and has no plans to ask him to reconsider.
Stokes retired from Tests in June 2026 after leading England for four years. He had previously reversed his ODI retirement in 2022 to play in the 2023 World Cup, but he has since stepped away from limited-overs cricket as well. His decision to retire from Test cricket remains unchanged ahead of the Ashes.
Stephen Fleming Respects Ben Stokes’ Decision to Retire From Test Cricket
Stephen Fleming has ruled out trying to convince Ben Stokes to return to England’s Test setup for the upcoming Ashes series. After meeting the all-rounder at Durham, the new England Test coach said Stokes appears comfortable with his decision to step away from international red-ball cricket.
“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. I've worked with Ben quite a bit. We've got a really good relationship. He seems really happy and comfortable with what he's doing,” Fleming told reporters.
Fleming also added that he would not question Stokes’ decision or attempt to change his mind. Having worked with him previously at Chennai Super Kings, the New Zealand coach said he understands the physical and mental demands that come with playing and leading a Test team.
“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,” Fleming said.
Ben Stokes’ Test Legacy and Life After England Retirement
Ben Stokes announced his Test retirement in June 2026 after their home series against New Zealand. He took over the captaincy from Joe Root in 2022 and led England in 44 Tests, recording 24 wins at a win rate of 54.54%. The all-rounder finished his Test career with 14 centuries and six five-wicket hauls.
His leadership alongside former head coach Brendon McCullum played a major role in shaping England’s aggressive approach to Test cricket after 2022. Stokes has continued playing cricket after leaving the England Test setup. He has signed with the Adelaide Strikers for the Big Bash League season.
The 35-year-old retired from ODI cricket in 2022 but returned for England’s 2023 ODI World Cup campaign in India. However, he did not play another ODI after the tournament. His last T20I appearance came in the 2022 T20 World Cup final, when England defeated Pakistan in Melbourne.
Stephen Fleming Opens Up on Working With Brendon McCullum
Stephen Fleming has also held discussions with his predecessor Brendon McCullum. McCullum stepped away from the Test role but continues to oversee England’s white-ball teams, giving the two coaches an opportunity to maintain communication across the different formats.
Fleming met McCullum at Old Trafford and said their existing relationship should help them communicate openly about England’s cricketing direction.
“It's nice to be in a position to work with him, it's been a while. It is an advantage that we will be able to talk fairly openly and be robust. We don't have to spend time getting to know each other as coaches,” Fleming said.
Fleming and McCullum already share a strong professional relationship from their time in New Zealand cricket and their business interests. Their continued communication could help England maintain some continuity while Fleming takes charge of the Test side ahead of the Ashes series.
