England Test captain Ben Stokes has shared that he gave up alcohol earlier this year to support his recovery from a hamstring injury, aiming for a comeback in the upcoming summer home series.
The 33-year-old all-rounder, who had surgery after getting injured during the third Test against New Zealand in December, revealed on The Untapped podcast that he has been alcohol-free since January. He explained that this decision is part of a broader lifestyle change intended to extend his playing career and aid in healing.
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“I need to change the way I live,” said Stokes, admitting that alcohol may have previously slowed his recovery from injuries. “I haven’t had a drink since January,” he added.
Stokes emphasized that this change isn’t necessarily permanent, but rather a shift from his past “all or nothing” drinking habits. “It’s not that I won’t drink again—just that I’ve learned to manage it better,” he said.
He also reflected on how the culture around professional cricket has evolved, noting that the modern game demands more physical fitness and allows less time for traditional post-match drinking, which was more common in the 1990s and early 2000s.
“There’s just too much cricket now… even without a couple of beers, the body can’t take it all,” he noted.
Although Stokes hasn’t yet played for Durham in the current County Championship season, he has been actively sharing his recovery progress on social media, posting training updates as he works toward full fitness.
England is set to kick off its summer campaign with a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on May 22, and Stokes is aiming to be match-ready by then.
“I don’t plan on stopping anytime soon… I’ll keep playing as long as I physically can,” he affirmed, showing his determination to stay in the game.
His openness about lifestyle changes and focus on fitness comes at a time when the England team is navigating transitions, with many key players dealing with injuries and workload concerns. A strong and healthier return from Stokes could be a major lift for the squad.
