England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed he gave up alcohol at the beginning of the year to aid his recovery from injury and stay fit for the challenges of international cricket.
The 33-year-old all-rounder, who underwent surgery on his left hamstring in December following a tear during a Test against New Zealand, said the decision came after reflecting on his past habits and how they may have affected his body’s ability to heal.
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Speaking on the Untapped podcast, Stokes admitted that previous injuries led him to question whether drinking—even days before a match—might have contributed to setbacks. This realisation, he said, motivated him to adopt a healthier lifestyle.
Though he has not ruled out drinking in the future, Stokes shared that he hasn’t had any alcohol since January and now feels more in control of his choices. In the past, he described his drinking as “all or nothing,” but now he is comfortable with moderation and being more mindful.
Stokes also spoke about how professional cricket’s culture has shifted over time. He noted that unlike the heavy drinking associated with the 1990s and early 2000s, the modern game demands far more from players physically and mentally, leaving little room for off-field indulgence.
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Despite missing games for Durham this season, Stokes has shown signs of progress in training and aims to return for England’s upcoming Test against Zimbabwe on 22 May. He stressed that he remains highly motivated and fully committed to his fitness programme.
Stokes concluded that as long as he feels the drive to train and improve, he will continue to play, recognising that extra effort off the field is now essential for staying at the top of his game.