London [UK], May 19: England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed that he has abstained from alcohol during his latest injury rehabilitation, aiming to return to peak form ahead of a busy Test summer, starting with the one-off Test against Zimbabwe on May 22 at Trent Bridge.
The 33-year-old all-rounder tore his left hamstring during England’s tour of New Zealand in December and has since focused intensively on recovery. Speaking on the UNTAPPED podcast, Stokes shared how his mindset and approach to recovery have evolved, particularly in relation to alcohol consumption.
“After my first major injury, I remember the shock of it… 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 reflected, as quoted by Sky Sports.
“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’.”
Stokes stressed the importance of his commitment to training and physical preparation, noting the toll that professional cricket takes on the body.
“It’s just getting harder to do everything. Hence why now I feel like I have to work so much harder away from the field… to give me the best chance of being out there to perform. But I’ll keep going as long as I possibly can,” he added.
Stokes also spoke candidly about how his relationship with alcohol has matured since his younger years.
“The game is more demanding on the body than it was. There’s so much more cricket, so much more in the schedule, that it’s just impossible for the body to withstand all of that… without the downsides of what a couple of beers at the end of the day can do to you for the next day.”
As England prepares to face Zimbabwe and embark on a packed Test calendar, Stokes’ commitment to fitness signals a determined return for the talismanic skipper.