Ben Stokes Quits Alcohol to Focus on Injury Recovery Ahead of Ashes

Aarav

London, May 19 – England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed that he has given up alcohol as part of his determined effort to recover from a hamstring injury and be fully fit for the upcoming Ashes series against Australia.

Stokes, 33, has not consumed alcohol since January 2, choosing abstinence to aid his rehabilitation from a torn left hamstring. The injury, sustained during England’s third Test against New Zealand last year, required surgery in December and has sidelined the all-rounder since.

Speaking on the Untapped podcast, Stokes opened up about how the decision stemmed from reflecting on the impact of his lifestyle on his physical health.

“After my first major injury, I remember the shock of it,” Stokes recalled. “After the initial adrenaline had stopped, I was thinking, 'How has this happened?' I thought, ‘We did have a bit of a drink four or five nights ago, could that have played a part?’ It wouldn’t have helped. Then I was like, ‘OK, I need to start changing what I do’.”

The England skipper had first torn his hamstring during The Hundred last year and aggravated the injury again during the New Zealand tour.

While Stokes clarified that he does not plan to remain sober permanently, he emphasized his commitment to staying alcohol-free until he completes his rehab and returns to playing.

“I don’t think I’ll ever be completely sober, but I’ve not had a drink since January 2. I said to myself: ‘Not until I finish my injury rehab and get back on the field’.”

In line with this lifestyle shift, Stokes has recently joined non-alcoholic spirits company CleanCo as an investor and brand partner, aligning his professional endorsements with his current values.

The star all-rounder is expected to make his much-anticipated return to international cricket this Thursday in England’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, marking a significant step towards full fitness ahead of the Ashes.