He noted that Stokes remains physically capable of competing at the highest level, based on his recent performances for Durham.
“To me, he (Stokes) has still got a lot of good cricket left in him. It'll be a fascinating watch.
I think that whoever the new head coach that comes in potentially has a conversation with him,” McDonald added.
McDonald acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding Stokes' decision to retire, saying, “We don't know why Ben left, I don't think there's been anything on the record around the definitive reason as to why.”
He suggested that the new coaching leadership might influence Stokes' decision ahead of the Ashes.
“Or there might be an opportunity for that new head coach to potentially twist his arm and bring him back in,” McDonald said.
Key also addressed Fleming's absence for the upcoming three-Test series against Pakistan starting August 19, 2026, explaining that immediate availability was not a requirement during recruitment.
“My job is to get the best person. It wasn't a stipulation for any of the candidates that you had to be there for Pakistan.
Had that been the case, that would have limited the field drastically,” Key said.
Fleming will officially join the squad in September 2026 ahead of the third Test against Pakistan at Edgbaston, with Marcus Trescothick serving as interim coach for the first two matches.
Key reiterated his endorsement of the Root and Fleming partnership, saying, “In Stephen and Joe, I think we've got the two best people to take what is a side with a huge amount of potential.
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I'm as optimistic as ever that we've got the best people to take English cricket forward.”
