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Ben Stokes’ Ashes 2027 comeback on the cards, feels Chris Woakes

Former English fast bowler Chris Woakes has suggested that Ben Stokes might consider stepping out of international retirement if current Test skipper Joe Root persuades him to return for another campaign. Woakes noted that while he believes Stokes is finished with the national side following a punishing series of defeats culminating in the 2025-26 Ashes loss, a personal appeal from his close friend Root could potentially change his mind ahead of the 2027 Ashes series.

Reflecting on the tenure of recently sacked head coach Brendon McCullum, Woakes analyzed the shortcomings of the aggressive Bazball strategy. He explained that although the ultra-attacking approach brought early success, the team repeatedly failed to adjust their tempo by slowing down during matches, which ultimately allowed opponents to recover from dominant positions.

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