Ben Stokes, the Test captain of England, has made a significant lifestyle change in his bid to return to peak fitness, choosing to abstain from drinking alcohol since the start of 2025. He revealed that this decision stems from a renewed focus on recovery and performance as he prepares for a demanding cricketing calendar that includes a major series against India next month and the Ashes later in the year.
Ben Stokes has been on the sidelines since sustaining a hamstring tear during England’s tour of New Zealand in December. The injury, which required surgery, marked his second such setback in a matter of months — he had previously suffered a similar issue during The Hundred in August last year but had managed to recover in time for the New Zealand fixtures. This time, however, the recurrence prompted a deeper reassessment of his habits and approach to rehabilitation.
Reflecting on the toll of the injury and its implications, Ben Stokes shared in a podcast that he began questioning the influence of lifestyle choices on his physical condition. After the initial adrenaline of the injury subsided, he recalled considering whether social drinking a few nights before could have contributed to the setback. That moment of doubt led to a personal decision to stop drinking entirely at the beginning of the year, at least until he completes his recovery and returns to playing cricket competitively. Though he does not envision giving up alcohol permanently, this period of abstinence has been central to his focused comeback.
His journey back to fitness has not been easy. Ben Stokes admitted the physical demands of his rehabilitation regimen have increased over time, requiring more dedication than ever before. Despite the growing challenges, he remains fully committed to his career and training, emphasising that he still has the motivation to push himself. He believes that once that drive begins to wane, it might signal the beginning of the end but for now, he is determined to continue.
Ben Stokes also acknowledged the broader transformation within professional cricket, particularly regarding its relationship with alcohol. He noted that the sport’s culture has changed significantly since the 1990s and early 2000s when tales of heavy drinking were more commonplace. He said that the modern game places far greater physical demands on players, with congested schedules and intense performance expectations making it increasingly difficult to recover if one indulges even moderately. In this new era, maintaining physical readiness takes precedence over post-match social rituals.
Later this week, Ben Stokes will make his competitive return in a one-off Test against Zimbabwe. It marks not just a return to the field but also the culmination of months of disciplined recovery, underscoring the veteran cricketer’s enduring commitment to his craft and leadership.
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