Ben Stokes Gives Up Alcohol to Boost Recovery and Extend Career

England Test captain Ben Stokes has made a personal and professional shift by giving up alcohol since January to speed up his recovery from a hamstring injury. The 33-year-old all-rounder shared the revelation during The Untapped podcast, hosted by Spencer Matthews.

Stokes, who underwent surgery after injuring himself in the third Test against New Zealand in December, stated that abstaining from alcohol was part of a broader lifestyle change aimed at extending his cricket career.
“I need to start changing what I do,” Stokes said, adding, “I haven’t touched a drop since January.”

Although he clarified that the decision isn’t necessarily permanent, the move marks a significant departure from his earlier “all or nothing” attitude towards drinking.

Reflecting on modern cricket’s physical demands, Stokes contrasted the current environment with earlier eras, pointing out that the body can no longer endure both constant matches and post-game indulgence.
“There’s so much more cricket now… the body just can’t withstand all that,” he remarked.

Still recovering, Stokes has not yet featured in the County Championship for Durham but is actively documenting his rehabilitation online. England’s summer begins with a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge on May 22, and Stokes is optimistic about his return.

His comeback, especially with renewed discipline and focus, could be crucial as England navigates through a phase of injury-related challenges and transition.