England’s Test skipper Ben Stokes has revealed that he gave up alcohol during his recovery from a hamstring injury and return to peak fitness. The England all-rounder made this decision to be fully ready for the upcoming five-match Test series against India and the Ashes 2025-26 series against Australia.
Stokes has been dealing with a recurring left hamstring injury. He first suffered the injury during The Hundred in August and missed the Test series against Sri Lanka. The all-rounder returned to action during the Pakistan tour, but the injury resurfaced during the New Zealand series two months later.
Ben Stokes had to undergo surgery on his left hamstring in December after tearing it during the third Test against New Zealand. The injury sidelined him for an extended period.
Speaking on the Untapped podcast, Stokes admitted the injury came as a shock. The skipper revealed he hasn’t consumed alcohol since January 2. He stated that he made a personal commitment to avoid drinking until completing his rehab and returning to the field.
“After my first major injury, I remember the shock of it, after the initial adrenalin, 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’," Stokes said.
"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'," he added.
I Haven’t Got Any Interest in Stopping - Ben Stokes
The 33-year-old cricketer said that he is fully committed to his cricketing career, stating that he has no desire to retire anytime soon. He also stated that extra effort is required off the field to keep himself physically prepared.
"The day I wake up and can’t be bothered to do the training is getting towards that time you don’t really want it any more. But I haven’t got any interest in stopping."
“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.
Ben Stokes Set to Return After Five-Month Injury Break
Ben Stokes is set to make his return after a five-month injury break in England’s upcoming one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge in Nottingham, starting on May 11.
This match will be preparation for England before the five-match Test series in June. The Test series against India holds significant importance, especially since England lost 1-4 in last year’s series in India.
Stokes will be eager to lead his team to redemption. This series is the start of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle, with both England and India aiming to secure early points after missing out on the 2025 WTC Final.
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