“I think he's [been] one of the most experienced coaches of international cricketers for the last 18 years,” Key said.
He added that feedback from players who have worked with Fleming has been consistently positive.
“We've had dealings in the past when our players have gone to Chennai and they've all spoken so highly - I've not met anyone that hasn't spoken highly about Stephen Fleming as a coach,” Key noted.
Key acknowledged the significant rebuilding task ahead, particularly in the bowling attack, which has lost over a thousand wickets in recent years.
“We've had to rebuild the bowling attack.
They've lost over a thousand wickets in the last few years and there is so much potential there,” he said.
He believes Fleming is the right person to harness that potential and improve consistency.
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“I believe Stephen Fleming is the best person to get the basics bowlers running and consistently hitting a line and length with all of that potential, all the attributes that they have,” Key said.
Key emphasized the need for a refined approach rather than a complete overhaul, stating, “A refined approach is needed, not a change of approach.”
Australian head coach Andrew McDonald also weighed in on the possibility of Stokes playing in the 2027 Ashes, which begins at Trent Bridge on June 18, 2027.
“I think the fairytale would be that he comes back out of retirement and takes on one more Ashes and builds a lot of hype on the way in,” McDonald said.
