Ben Stokes, the former England cricket captain, has opened up about the team’s relationship with alcohol and the recent leadership changes within the England cricket team. In a candid interview on the For The Love of Cricket podcast, Stokes addressed the drinking culture in cricket and the decision to appoint Joe Root as the new Test captain.
Stokes, who announced his retirement from international cricket in June 2026, has been vocal about the team’s dynamics and the challenges they face. His departure came after a series of off-field incidents, including a nightclub altercation that led to his suspension from the second Test against New Zealand.
Stokes on Cricket’s Drinking Culture
During the podcast, Stokes clarified that while cricket has a long-standing drinking culture it is not a problem specific to the England team. He emphasized that this culture has persisted despite the sport becoming more professional over the years.
“I think cricket has a drinking culture and that hasn’t changed,” Stokes said. “We are in 2026 now, where the game has gone more professional over the years, and one thing that has just stayed within cricket is its relationship with alcohol.”
Stokes acknowledged that the relationship between alcohol and cricket has remained unchanged since the 1980s, despite advancements in sport science, medicine, and nutrition. He also shared his personal experiences with alcohol, stating that while he has had periods of potentially dangerous relationships with it, he does not consider it a problem for the team as a whole.
The Nightclub Incident and Its Aftermath
The nightclub incident involving Stokes and bowler Gus Atkinson in London raised concerns about the team’s behavior off the field. The incident occurred after the team breached a midnight curfew, leading to their suspension from the second Test against New Zealand.
This was not the first time Stokes had been involved in a physical altercation. In 2017, he was arrested and charged with affray following a street fight outside a nightclub in Bristol. Although he was found not guilty, the incident highlighted the challenges Stokes has faced in managing his public image.
Leadership Changes and the Captaincy Decision
Stokes also expressed his surprise at the decision to appoint Joe Root as the new Test captain, bypassing Harry Brook, who had been promoted to vice-captain. Stokes had backed Brook to succeed him in the role, questioning the logic behind the decision.
“If you think someone’s going to be a good captain or a good leader, then just give them it,” Stokes said. “He’s vice-captain. And then the captain is not playing, but he’s not captain. What?”
Root, who led England for 64 Tests between 2017 and 2026, stepped down after a run of poor results. He is seen as a safer pair of hands during this transition period, with the team looking to rebuild after a series of defeats.
Stokes wished Root success in his new role, acknowledging his contributions to the team. He also expressed his concern for Root’s well-being, having seen the toll the captaincy can take on an individual.
“I wish him nothing but success. I hope he goes on and achieves amazing things in his role as captain,” Stokes said. “I’ve worked with Flem [Stephen Fleming] before but I told Joe, I said my only worry is just you.”
The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has replaced Brendon McCullum with Stephen Fleming as the new Test coach, bringing an end to the Bazball era. McCullum remains in charge of England’s white-ball sides, and both he and Stokes have denied any rift between them.
As the England cricket team navigates these changes, Stokes’ insights provide a unique perspective on the challenges and dynamics within the sport. His candid remarks on the drinking culture and leadership decisions offer a glimpse into the complexities of managing a high-profile sports team.
