Ben Stokes has made the decision to quit alcohol as part of his rehabilitation from a hamstring injury, with the aim of returning to peak physical condition ahead of England’s summer fixtures. The England Test captain is set to return to the field in the one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, marking his comeback after being sidelined since December due to a torn left hamstring sustained during England’s tour of New Zealand.
Having rushed back too quickly from a similar injury in the past, this time Stokes has taken a more considered and meticulous approach to his recovery. He has been determined not to cut corners, undergoing surgery and following a strict rehabilitation regime. A key part of this process has been abstaining from alcohol, a lifestyle change he adopted at the start of the year.
Reflecting on his experiences, Stokes admitted that after suffering his first major injury, he began to question whether his off-field habits might have contributed. That realisation triggered a change in perspective. He hasn’t had a drink since January 2 and has vowed to remain alcohol-free until his return to full fitness and competitive cricket.
Stokes explained that as he gets older, maintaining peak performance has become increasingly difficult, prompting him to invest more effort into his physical preparation. He’s found himself working harder in the gym and focusing more on recovery and fitness to ensure he can continue performing at the highest level for as long as possible.
He acknowledged that his relationship with alcohol has evolved over the years. During his younger days, it was more excessive, often all or nothing. His past drinking habits were even highlighted during a well-known court case in 2017, following a late-night incident in Bristol that led to legal proceedings. Although he was ultimately found not guilty of affray, the events of that night cast a spotlight on the culture of alcohol within professional sport.
Stokes noted that his approach has matured, and he’s now able to enjoy alcohol in moderation. He mentioned that he now understands his wife’s frustrations from earlier in their relationship, when he would drink to excess rather than enjoying a casual drink in a social setting. These days, he appreciates the value of moderation and is able to enjoy a drink without overindulging.
He also highlighted how the demands of the modern game have influenced not only his own choices but also those of his teammates. Compared to previous decades, professional cricketers today face far more physical strain, with an intense and packed schedule across formats. In such an environment, the impact of alcohol on recovery and performance is more significant, making it less compatible with the requirements of elite performance.
While the culture of drinking was once an embedded part of the cricketing world, particularly during the 1990s and early 2000s, Stokes believes that times have changed. Players now take greater responsibility for their health and preparation, and there’s a stronger understanding of the consequences that lifestyle choices can have on performance.
Stokes hopes to return as a fully functioning all-rounder in the Zimbabwe Test, and his commitment to his rehab reflects his desire to continue playing at the highest level. As he navigates the latter stages of his career, he remains determined to adapt, evolve, and give himself the best possible chance of success both on and off the field.
