Ben Stokes' international future may not be finished after all. England's director of men's cricket, Rob Key, has told the BBC that he "wouldn't be surprised" to see the all-rounder back in an England shirt, insisting "anything is possible" when it comes to Stokes' career.
Though details of Stokes' current situation aren't spelled out in the report, Key's comments suggest the door remains open for a return, despite whatever break or setback has kept him out of the side. It's a notable vote of confidence from England's cricket chief, who clearly hasn't ruled out a comeback for one of the team's most influential figures in recent years.
Stokes has been central to England's white-ball and Test success, and any suggestion of a return — even one framed cautiously by Key — will excite fans hoping to see him back leading from the front. For now, though, this remains speculation from Key rather than confirmation of a concrete timeline, according to the BBC.