Ben Stokes quits alcohol during his latest injury rehabilitation

England Test skipper Ben Stokes has made a bold lifestyle change as part of his effort to return to top fitness, giving up alcohol during his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury. The decision was made by Stokes keeping his body, career, and leadership role in mind, considering an important summer for English cricket.

The 33-year-old underwent surgery in December 2024 after tearing his left hamstring during the Test series in New Zealand. The southpaw suffered a similar injury during The Hundred in August that had already forced him to miss England’s subsequent matches against Sri Lanka and Pakistan. Stokes revealed he has not consumed alcohol since January 2 to make his latest rehabilitation process smoother.

“After my first major injury, I remember the shock of it, after the initial adrenaline, thinking, ‘How has this happened? 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.’ 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. ’ The day I wake up and can’t be bothered to do the training is getting towards that time you don’t want it anymore. But I haven’t got any interest in stopping," he said on the Untapped podcast.

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I have to work so much harder away from the field: Ben Stokes

The English skipper’s decision is a major change for a cricketer whose relationship with alcohol has been in the public eye before, during the 2017 Bristol incident that led to a high-profile court case. While he was cleared of the charges, the episode has had a lasting effect on him. However, currently, the all-rounder is focused on longevity and solid performance.

“I feel like I have to work so much harder away from the field, in the gym, and all that to give me the best chance of being out there,” Stokes added.

The England international summer begins with a one-off Test against Zimbabwe on May 22 at Trent Bridge, where Stokes is expected to return to action. However, the main challenge for Stokes will be the five-Test series against India and the Ashes later in the year.