Benjamin Andrew Stokes, England's Test Captain, is set to make a comeback in international cricket after a recurring hamstring injury he suffered in New Zealand in December 2024. He will be up for a one-off match against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge starting 22 May 2025, before the mega India vs England Test series in June 2025. Ben Stokes has decided to quit alcohol for the series against India as he wants to stay at his prime fitness levels.
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Why did Ben Stokes Quit Alcohol Ahead of Ind vs Eng Test Series? Know the Reason
Sportsdunia Desk
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Why Ben Stokes Decided to Quit Alcohol: Explained
The 33-year-old England Test Captain has opted to quit alcohol ahead of the Test series against India and the action-packed Ashes, later this year. Ben Stokes admitted that his decision was influenced by a major injury scare during his rehabilitation, and this move was a part for him to be at his best for the long English summer. This shows his commitment towards the game and how important it is for the England team to have their Captain in full flow during the vital test season at home. Ben Stokes had a hamstring tear in New Zealand in 2024, and it was a recurring injury as he had already faced a hamstring injury a year before that.
He believed that alcohol might have had a role in his injury, and at the least, it wouldn't have helped his cause. Ben Stokes revealed that he hasn't touched alcohol since January 2, 2025. It was a part of his rehabilitation training, and he wants to be on top of his game for a crucial cricketing calendar ahead. He wants to contribute more to his team for a longer period and comprehends that it will only happen if he stays committed and disciplined towards the game for as long as he plays. He admitted that he does not plan to return to drinking anytime soon, if at all.
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‘Ok, I Need to Start Changing What I do’ - Ben Stokes Expressed His Views
Ben Stokes' injury has scared him off for good, as he stands even more determined to contribute to his team's success for a longer period. Speaking to the Untapped Podcast, the England Test Captain said:
" After my first major injury, I remember the shock of it, after the initial adrenaline had stopped, thinking: 'How has this happened? 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.' I don't think I'll ever be completely sober, but I've not had a drink since 2 January.
I said to myself: 'Not until I finish my injury rehab and get back on the field.' I think the day I wake up and can't be bothered to do the training programme is getting towards that time you don't want it any more. "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, in the gym and all that kind of stuff to just give me the best chance of being out there to perform. But I'll keep going as long as I possibly can." "In the 90s and 00s, there were unbelievable stories [about drinking]. It's settled down a lot over the years. The game is more demanding on the body than it was. There's so much more cricket, there's so much more in the schedule that it's just impossible for the body to be able to withstand all of that anyway without the downsides of what a couple of beers at the end of the day can do to you for the next day."
Stokes further added:
"I can have a social drink now. It used to drive my wife, Clare, mad that I would just be all or nothing. If we'd go for a nice dinner, I never really understood why it was so frustrating to her, but all she wanted to do was share a glass of wine with her husband. Now I get it. I can appreciate it for what it is, not just to get me pissed.
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FAQs
Is Ben Stokes the Captain of the England ODI team?
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Is Ben Stokes the Captain of the England ODI team?
No, Ben Stokes is the Captain of the England Test team.
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Edited by- Ankit Kunwar
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