England Test skipper Ben Stokes has revealed that he hasn’t touched alcohol since January 2, a personal decision aimed at accelerating his return to full fitness ahead of the Ashes later this year. Speaking on the Untapped podcast, the 33-year-old said the turning point came when he began questioning his lifestyle choices after a string of injuries, including the hamstring tear he suffered during the New Zealand tour. “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 recalled as quoted by The Telegraph UK. “(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’.” The all-rounder underwent surgery on his left hamstring in December and committed to staying alcohol-free until his rehab was complete. “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’,” he added. Also READ: LSG set 205, but SRH chased 206 with Sharma’s blazing 59 to win by 6 wickets. Stokes set for return in Zimbabwe Test Stokes will return to action in England’s one-off Test against Zimbabwe at Trent Bridge this Thursday, marking the beginning of a packed home season that also includes a five-Test series against India and the high-stakes Ashes later in the year. Reflecting on how much fitness now means to him, Stokes said: “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 anymore. But I haven’t got any interest in stopping.” Apart from making lifestyle changes, the England star has also partnered with a non-alcoholic drinks company, CleanCo, as a brand ambassador, a move that aligns with his renewed focus on health and longevity in international cricket. Digvesh Rathi crosses limits, triggered Abhishek Sharma after dismissing him Notably, Ben Stokes last played international cricket in December 2024 against New Zealand.