Archive · 30 Jul 2026
McDonald Hints at Stokes Ashes 2027 Comeback
Australia’s cricket coach, Andrew McDonald, said that it would be a great story if Ben Stokes, who stopped playing Test cricket, came back for the 2027 Ashes series.
Stokes had retired after England lost a series to New Zealand.
He has been playing in England’s domestic 50‑over games and scored big runs for Durham.
McDonald thinks Stokes still has a lot of good cricket left and that a return would excite fans.
He said he would not be surprised if the new England coach talks to Stokes about coming back.
The idea could help promote the Ashes, a famous cricket contest between England and Australia.
Andrew McDonald says a Ben Stokes return would be a ‘fairytale’ for the 2027 Ashes.
Stokes retired from Test cricket after England’s loss to New Zealand but has played domestically for Durham.
McDonald has no inside information but would not be surprised if Stokes is persuaded to come back.
Stokes has expressed he will stick to his retirement decision even if approached.
England’s Test setup is uncertain after the departure of coach Brendon McCullum.
- Who
- Australia coach Andrew McDonald and former England captain Ben Stokes
- What
- Speculation that Stokes may reverse his Test retirement for the 2027 Ashes
- When
- July 2024, with the Ashes scheduled for June 2027
- Where
- England, with the Ashes series to be played at Trent Bridge, Lord’s, Edgbaston, The Rose Bowl and The Oval
- Why
- McDonald believes a Stokes return would generate hype and promote the series
- Coach
- Andrew McDonald
- Player
- Ben Stokes
- Retirement Status
- Test retirement after New Zealand series
- Potential Return
- Ashes 2027
- Domestic Performance
- 108 and 73 for Durham in 50‑over matches
- Series Context
- England 7th in ICC World Test Championship
