# Australia Coach McDonald Urges Ben Stokes to Return for Upcoming Ashes Series

*Australia's coach Andrew McDonald believes Ben Stokes should return to international cricket for one final Ashes series.*

July 30, 2026 · Sports

Australia's coach Andrew McDonald believes Ben Stokes still has 'a lot of good cricket left in him' and should be enticed out of international retirement to play in the upcoming Ashes series. Stokes, who retired during a Test against New Zealand in June, is seen by McDonald as a key player whose return could generate significant hype for the series.

## FAQs

Q: Why did Ben Stokes retire from international cricket?
A: Stokes retired during the third Test against New Zealand at Trent Bridge in late June. The exact reasons for his retirement have not been publicly disclosed.

Q: What did Andrew McDonald say about Stokes' potential return?
A: McDonald told Australian radio station SEN that Stokes' return would be a 'fairytale' scenario for the Ashes and that he still has plenty to offer.

Q: Who is the new England Test coach?
A: British media reports suggest that Stephen Fleming, another New Zealander, is poised to take over as England's red-ball coach after Brendon McCullum was sacked.

Q: How old is Ben Stokes compared to Australia's older players?
A: Stokes is 35 years old. Australia could field up to five players older than him in their Test against Bangladesh next month, including Nathan Lyon (38), Steve Smith and Scott Boland (both 37), Mitchell Starc (36), and Josh Hazlewood (35).

## Sources

- BSS

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Source: https://pulsetoday.com.bd/en/sports/stokes-return-ashes-mcdonald