Cricket News

Ben Stokes: England skipper quits alcohol to aid injury rehabilitation ahead of Ashes

New Delhi: England’s Test skipper Ben Stokes has quit alcohol to help his recovery from an ongoing hamstring injury rehabilitation. The English superstar took the decision in order to be battle-ready for the upcoming Ashes series against fierce rivals Australia.

Stokes revealed that he gave up drinking at the start of the year in the hope that a long spell of sobriety would help quicken his recovery from the injury.

The 33-year-old all-rounder underwent surgery on his left hamstring in December after suffering a tear while playing in the third Test against New Zealand. The injury not only ruled him out of the Tests but also out of action for a long duration.

“After my first major injury, I remember the shock of it, and after the initial adrenaline had stopped, I was thinking, ‘How has this happened?'” Stokes told the Untapped podcast.

“(I thought) ‘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 was like ‘OK, I need to start changing what I do’.”

Stokes’ persistent hamstring issues

Stokes has been struggling with a hamstring issue since the Hundred last year, when he first suffered the injury. His left hamstring was injured again during the Test tour of New Zealand.

“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 recently announced his partnership with the zero-alcohol spirits company CleanCo. The England Test skipper has signed on with the company as an “investor and brand partner”.

The English skipper is all set to be back in action after a five-month injury lay-off, on Thursday in England’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge, Nottingham.