Fleming: No Attempt to Sway Ben Stokes Back for Ashes

Stephen Fleming, England's new red-ball coach, has moved to shut down talk of a Ben Stokes return before the Ashes, saying it would be wrong to try to change the all-rounder's mind.

Stokes retired from international cricket earlier this summer, ending four turbulent years as Test captain. He has kept playing for Durham, helping the county win the Division Two title, and has signed on for a stint with Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League, who sit sixth in that competition with 8 points from 10 matches. Those moves have fed speculation that the 35-year-old could yet turn out for England one more time against Australia next summer, and Rob Key, England's director of cricket, has called the idea a "great story" without ruling it out.

Fleming met Stokes during his first days in the job, at Durham, and described him as settled.

"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," said Fleming. "I've worked with Ben quite a bit. We've got a really good relationship. He was in a good space. He'd just bowled another 20 overs for Durham with success. 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."

Speaking separately to BBC Sport's Test Match Special, Fleming ruled out any attempt to talk Stokes round.

"I respect his decision too much," he said. "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."

The comments follow recent developments. On the men’s side, Stokes now looks increasingly unlikely to be involved, and Fleming’s remarks suggest England will build their Ashes plans without him.