McDonald Hints At Ben Stokes’ Possible Comeback
Ben Stokes might make a dramatic return to Test cricket before the 2027 Ashes, according to Australia’s head coach Andrew McDonald, who believes England’s next head coach would try to persuade the former captain to reconsider retirement.
With Stokes retiring from Test cricket and head coach Brendon McCullum departing, England is currently undergoing a huge transition. After losing seven of their last nine Test matches, the side is currently looking for a new captain and coach.
McDonald believes the England all-rounder still has a lot to offer despite Stokes’ departure from the longest format, and that a comeback is not out of the question.
“I think the fairytale would be that he comes back out of retirement and takes on one more Ashes and builds a lot of hype on the way in,” Australia’s coach told radio station SEN.
McDonald suggested that England’s new coach should consider bringing Stokes out of retirement to promote the series. To me, he still has a lot of good cricket in him. It will be an intriguing watch. I believe that the incoming head coach will have a talk with him.”
While recognising that Australia is keeping a close check on England’s progress, McDonald underlined that the situation remains uncertain because Stokes’ retirement reasons have not been fully disclosed to the public.
“We don’t know why Ben departed; I don’t think there’s anything on the record that definitively explains why. He may have simply called it a day in Test cricket, so there could be a full stop there.Or there could be an opportunity for the incoming head coach to entice him back in.”
McDonald praised Stokes for his long-lasting impact on Test cricket, despite the uncertainty surrounding England. “But if it ends now, he’s had a wonderful career in terms of what he’s brought to the game and his impact in certain innings and moments in time.” “It will age well for him to look back on,” he added.
England will play a three-Test home series against Pakistan beginning August 19 as their first job in the post-Stokes and post-McCullum eras.
