England Test captain Ben Stokes has taken a major personal step in his quest to return to full fitness, giving up alcohol as part of his rehabilitation process. The 33-year-old all-rounder is targeting a strong comeback ahead of England’s key assignments: the high-stakes Test series against India next month and the Ashes later this year. Stokes has been on the sidelines since December after tearing his hamstring during the tour of New Zealand. The injury required surgery and kept him out of action for nearly six months.
This was not the first time Stokes faced this particular setback. He had suffered a similar hamstring injury during The Hundred last August but recovered in time for the New Zealand tour.
However, the recurrence of the injury prompted him to reevaluate his off-field habits, including alcohol consumption. Speaking on the Untapped podcast, Stokes candidly reflected on the shift in his mindset.
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“After my first major injury, once the adrenaline wore off, I started thinking, ‘How did this happen? Did that night of drinking four or five days ago have something to do with it?’ It certainly wouldn’t have helped,” he admitted. “That’s when I decided I needed to change things. I haven’t had a drink since January 2. I told myself—no alcohol until I’ve completed rehab and returned to playing.”
Ben Stokes has imposed a booze ban on himself ahead of the #Ashes tour after deciding that drinking may have contributed to his recurring hamstring injury… and signing up as an investor with a non-alcoholic spirits company https://t.co/C60BpiDrk2
— Daniel Brettig 🏏 (@danbrettig) May 19, 2025
Now preparing to mark his return in a one-off Test against Zimbabwe later this week, Ben Stokes emphasised how difficult and demanding the road to recovery has been.
“There are days when the training routine feels relentless, but I still have the hunger. I’m not ready to stop,” he said. “It’s just that now, to stay at my best, I need to work twice as hard off the field—whether it’s fitness, recovery, or nutrition.”
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Stokes also spoke about how cricket’s relationship with alcohol has changed over the years. “Back in the 90s and early 2000s, the stories you’d hear about post-match drinking sessions were wild. But that culture has evolved,” he explained. “The game has become more physically demanding. With the volume of cricket now, even a couple of beers can take a toll on your body the next day.”
With renewed discipline and a focus on longevity, Ben Stokes is determined to return not just as England’s leader, but as a fitter and more mindful version of himself.
