England Test cricket team skipper Ben Stokes has revealed that he has quit alcohol to stay fit for the upcoming Test series against India and Australia. As per reports, the all-rounder reckons that a “big night out” might have played a big part in his previous injuries. Stokes went under the knife last year due to a hamstring injury and is expected to return to action in the five-match Test series against India that commences on June 20.
Stokes gets rid of intake of alcohol
Speaking on the Untapped podcast, Stokes revealed that he had not had a drink since January 2. The England captain recalled thinking if alcohol had played any part in his first major injury.
“After my first major injury, I remember the shock of it, after the initial adrenalin, 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‘,” Stokes said.
Stokes further revealed that he had made up his mind to quit alcohol until and unless he felt he couldn’t play any longer. The all-rounder admitted that he has no plans to resume the intake of alcohol either. He added that he knew he had to work harder off the field, in the gym and so on in order to be fit and be available for all the future clashes.
“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 January 2. I said to myself, ‘Not until I finish my injury rehab and get back on the field’. The day I wake up and can’t be bothered to do the training is getting towards that time you don’t really want it any more. But I haven’t got any interest in stopping,” Stokes added.
