Ben Stokes Gives Up Alcohol to Aid Injury Recovery

England Test captain Ben Stokes has revealed that he gave up alcohol at the start of the year as part of a renewed approach to recovering from injury.

The 33-year-old all-rounder underwent surgery on his left hamstring in December after tearing it during the third Test against New Zealand. Though he was initially expected to return after three months, Stokes has yet to appear for Durham in the County Championship.

England’s summer campaign begins on 22 May with a one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge.

Stokes previously suffered a similar hamstring issue during The Hundred last year. Reflecting on his recovery process, he said he has taken a different path this time — including reassessing his relationship with alcohol.

Speaking on the Untapped podcast, hosted by Spencer Matthews, Stokes shared how an earlier injury prompted him to rethink his habits.

“After my first major injury, I remember thinking, ‘How has this happened?’” he said. “We did have a bit of a drink four or five nights ago — could that have played a part? It wouldn’t have helped. Then I thought, ‘OK, I need to start changing what I do.’”

Since January, Stokes has abstained from alcohol entirely as he focused on his recovery. While he says he doesn’t plan to give up drinking permanently, he now feels more in control of his consumption.

“In the past, it was all or nothing,” he admitted. “But now I feel like I can enjoy a social drink without going overboard.”

Stokes’ decision reflects a growing awareness among elite athletes of the impact lifestyle choices can have on performance and long-term fitness. England fans will be hoping his more mindful approach pays dividends as the team prepares for a busy international summer.