England Test captain Ben Stokes has decided to quit alcohol as part of his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury, underscoring his determination to return to top form for a crucial summer of cricket. The all-rounder is set to make his long-awaited comeback in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, having been out of action since December following a torn left hamstring sustained during the tour of New Zealand.
Unlike his previous injury recoveries, this return has been more measured and methodically managed. Keen to avoid the mistakes of the past, Stokes has adopted a more disciplined approach, focusing on physical conditioning and recovery. One major step in that process has been giving up alcohol a decision he made back in January.
Reflecting on his journey, Stokes acknowledged that previous injuries may have been worsened by his off-field habits. He recalled moments of self-doubt after sustaining a major injury and questioning whether alcohol had played a role in slowing down his recovery. That realisation sparked a shift in mindset. He resolved to stay off alcohol until he was fully fit and back playing, recognizing that even occasional drinking could hinder his efforts to return in peak physical shape.
Now 33, Stokes is keenly aware of how much more effort it takes to stay at the top level. He admits that it’s getting harder to maintain the physical standards required by the modern game, which is more demanding than ever before due to a packed international schedule and the physical toll of all-format cricket. To stay competitive, he has intensified his work off the field, particularly in the gym, doing everything possible to ensure he can contribute fully with both bat and ball.
Stokes is hoping to resume his role as a genuine all-rounder for England, providing the balance that has made him such an indispensable part of the team. While he’s not ruling out having the occasional drink in the future, his relationship with alcohol has significantly evolved. Where once he approached drinking in an “all or nothing” fashion, often to the frustration of his wife, Clare, he now sees the value in moderation and appreciates the social side of it.
His infamous 2017 street incident in Bristol, which ultimately led to a court case in which he was found not guilty of affray, brought his drinking into sharp public focus. But Stokes believes both he and the game have changed since then. He sees a shift in the culture of professional cricket, where the once-pervasive drinking culture of the 1990s and 2000s has given way to more mindful practices.
The demands of the modern cricket calendar, with its relentless travel and high-intensity matches, have made it increasingly difficult for players to indulge in the same way as their predecessors. Recovery, sleep, and nutrition are now non-negotiable elements of elite performance, and even a couple of drinks can throw that delicate balance off.
Stokes’s decision to abstain is not just about improving physical recovery, but also about prolonging his career. He remains driven to perform at the highest level and wants to keep playing for as long as his body allows. That means making sacrifices and evolving, both as a cricketer and a person.
As he prepares for his return to the Test arena, Stokes appears focused, motivated, and committed to giving everything to the game starting with the decision to put alcohol on hold in pursuit of a successful comeback.
