Ben Stokes has trodden down the fitness path to stay in top shape for the India series and Ashes, starting with setting aside booze. According to The Telegraph, Stokes ‘quit alcohol’ to be ‘fully fit for England this summer after realising a big night out may have played a part in past injuries’.
The all-rounder underwent a hamstring surgery last December. The injury, which he had suffered before as well during The Hundred in August, forced him to miss the Tests against Sri Lanka and was not fully fit for the Pakistan series later. The injury reoccurred during the Test against New Zealand in Hamilton.
England’s home season starts with a one-off Test against Zimbabwe followed by a gruelling five-Test series against India. It culminates with the Ashes six months later.
The Telegraph quoted Stokes as saying that he has not had a drink since January 2, ‘when he threw himself into rehabilitation from his operation’.
According to the English daily, Stokes told the Untapped podcast: “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’.
“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.
“I feel like I have to work so much harder away from the field, in the gym and all that to give me the best chance of being out there,” Stokes added.
